“Even among parts of the left”
Habeck concerned about anti-Semitism in Germany
November 2, 2023, 1:15 a.m
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Green Vice-Chancellor Habeck is concerned about growing anti-Semitism in Germany against the backdrop of the Middle East conflict. He is also concerned about anti-Semitism “in parts of the political left,” he says in a video on the online platform X.
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck strongly condemned anti-Semitism in Germany in its various forms. “Anti-Semitism should not be tolerated in any form, in any form. The extent of the Islamist demonstrations in Berlin and other cities in Germany is unacceptable and needs a tough political response,” says the Green Party politician and economics minister in a video that his ministry included X (formerly Twitter) spread.
An answer is also needed from the Muslim associations in Germany, says Habeck. Some clearly distanced themselves from the actions of Hamas and anti-Semitism. “But not all of them, and some are too hesitant and I think overall too few.” Muslims living in Germany have a right to be protected from right-wing extremist violence. “And they have to do the same now when Jews are attacked,” says Habeck. They must clearly distance themselves from anti-Semitism in order not to undermine their own claim to tolerance. “There is no place for religious intolerance in Germany.”
In addition to anti-Semitism among Islamists and right-wing extremists, he is also concerned about anti-Semitism “in parts of the political left,” said the Economics and Climate Protection Minister. This is “unfortunately also the case with young activists”.
“Anti-colonialism must not lead to anti-Semitism,” said Habeck. “In this respect, this part of the political left should examine its arguments.” The Green politician welcomed the fact that the German representation of the climate movement Fridays for Future had clearly differentiated itself from statements from the international section on the Middle East conflict. This is “more than respectable”.
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) also made similar comments. It is “more than worrying” that “pure anti-Semitism” is hidden behind any kind of criticism of Israel, she said on ZDF. The position of the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is “completely incomprehensible” to her. It is therefore “enormously important” that Fridays for Future in Germany “has distanced itself from it so clearly and clearly.”
In a post on the Instagram network, the international organization Fridays for Future claimed that media worldwide was “financed by imperialist governments that stand behind Israel.” The group spoke of “brainwashing” and described Israel as an “apartheid system”. There was no mention of the Israelis murdered by the radical Islamic Hamas. Thunberg had called for a strike in solidarity with the Palestinians on social networks.