In a significant move towards addressing the alarming rise of antisemitism, Germany's ruling coalition, alongside the main opposition Christian Union parties, constructed a resolution in November focused on combating the pervasive issue of antisemitism in Germany. While not legally binding, the resolution is set for a vote in parliament in the coming weeks, although political turmoil remains challenging as the government dissolved and so could parliament. It is anticipated to wield some much-needed political influence over the issue.
Countering protests in Berlin
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It underscores the disturbing reality of antisemitism in Germany, which has become increasingly manifest and violent in far-right circles as well as highlighting its troubling connections to German “left-wing anti-imperialism” groups. However, while the resolution statement is positive, it falls short of providing an actionable plan, notably absent here. It reads like a collection of comforting words rather than a tangible support system for the Jewish community in Germany during what is arguably one of its most difficult periods since the Holocaust.
In 2023, Germany recorded a staggering 95% surge in documented antisemitic incidents compared to 2022, culminating in a total of 5,164 cases that year. More than half of those incidents recorded in 2023 occurred in the final months of the year after the October 7 attack on Israel. According to the German interior ministry, 58% of these incidents were perpetrated by individuals associated with far-right ideologies, reflecting a 36% increase from the prior year.
Notably, however, the ministry does not classify incidents driven by Islamic beliefs or cultural motivations. Other recorded classifications include "left-wing" (eight incidents), "foreign ideology" (1,186 incidents), "religious ideology" (531 incidents), and "other" (373 incidents).
In October, it was announced that under a separate newly amended German citizenship law, newly arrived individuals in Germany who publicly endorse slogans like ‘From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free’—which advocates for the elimination of Israel—will be outright denied future German citizenship. The new regulations now explicitly indicate that ‘racism, antisemitism, or any other form of misanthropy will disqualify a person from naturalization.’
Moreover, it advocates for the cessation of public funding for organizations that perpetuate antisemitism or endorse boycotts against Israel. “I am optimistic that this initiative will lead to meaningful improvements in both the religious freedom and security of the Jewish community in Germany, which is currently facing considerable challenges,” remarked Germany-based Gady Gronich, CEO of the Conference of European Rabbis.
Ahmad Mansour, an Arab-Israeli author living in Germany, has been a steadfast critic of antisemitism from both leftist and Muslim factions in the country. At a recent panel debate, prominent German jurist Kai Ambos argued that referencing antisemitism among Muslims was effectively scapegoating. Mansour immediately condemned Ambos's assertions, stating on X that such reasoning is “a perilous error.”
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, and Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, answer questions from journalists at a press conference after their talks in Berlin, Germany
(Photo: Wolfgang Kumm/dpa via AP)
Ahmad Mansour has underscored the importance of addressing all manifestations of antisemitism and providing unequivocal warnings against it, wherever it arises. This dynamic has contributed to a notable rise in Muslim antisemitism, alongside other societal challenges that are fueling growing anti-immigration far-right movements in Germany.
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Critics have long argued that the methodology used by German authorities to gather hate crime statistics against Jews often minimizes the influence of left-wing, Islamist, and anti-Israel offenders while overstating the incidents linked to the far-right. Many Germans perceive that individuals from Muslim countries contribute significantly to antisemitic violence and broader criminal activities. This resolution statement seems to be an initial attempt to recognize the issue and prevent the government from appearing indifferent.
Daniel Eck, a contributor to the right-leaning German Mitte Punkt website, said, “While it is crucial to acknowledge the threat posed by far-right antisemitism, the left and the Greens have predominantly overlooked the antisemitism stemming from Islamic immigrants.” Following the passing of this most recent resolution in November, Eck commented on X that the “unfortunate truth” of Islamic antisemitism will be “finally recognized” by the government. He insisted, "This resolution must translate into tangible actions across all levels of government."