Germany's Habeck warns antisemitism bears consequences

German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck has spoken out emphatically about antisemitism in Germany — and, in particular, an uptick in hate crimes since the Israel-Hamas war began.

In a video posted online, the Green Party politician also warned that there would be consequences for those who exhibit antisemitic hatred.

What the vice chancellor said

Habeck defended Israel's security as an integral part of Germany's existence as a nation and sharply criticized antisemitic tendencies among some Muslims, right-wing extremists and left-wing activists.

He said Germany's responsibility for the Holocaust meant it was essential that Jews should be able to live "freely and safely in Germany, that they never again have to be afraid to openly show their religion and their culture. But it is precisely this fear that is back."

"Jewish communities warn their members to avoid certain places for their own safety. And this is the reality here today, in Germany, almost 80 years after the Holocaust," said Habeck.

He spoke of "painful" conversations with Frankfurt's Jewish community, in which he learned that children were now afraid to go to school and sports clubs or to display their religious affiliation by, for example, wearing the Star of David necklace.

Habeck, who in addition to being vice chancellor is also minister for economic affairs and climate action, said there should be severe consequences for antisemitic acts, particularly for supporters of the radical Islamist militant group Hamas in Germany.

Later on Thursday, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced a ban on activities by or supporting Hamas and another pro-Palestinian organization accused of antisemitism.

Habeck said the burning of Israeli flags during demonstrations and "praising Hamas terror" were criminal offenses. 

"Any German citizen who does this will have to answer for such offenses in court. Those who are not German cititzens will also risk their residency status," said Habeck. "Anyone who does not yet have a residence permit will have provided a reason to be deported."

He appealed to Muslim associations to "clearly distance themselves from antisemitism so as not to undermine their own right to tolerance."

Jewish leader welcomes words

The Central Council of Jews in Germany President, Josef Schuster, welcomed the video statement, praising it for a "clear commitment to German reason of state," — a term that expresses Germany's commitment to Israel as a fundamental part of Germany's very present-day existence — and for "showing the consequences for those who do not want to accept it."

A survey by a civil society observatory Report Antisemitism found a 240% year-on-year increase in antisemitic incidents in the period from October 7, when Hamas launched its terror attack on Israel, to October 15.

rc/sms (dpa, KNA, AFP)

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