Friday, 8 November
Bundestag adopts resolution condemning antisemitism
Ahead of the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht tomorrow, the Bundestag adopted a resolution to fight antisemitism and support Jewish life in Germany. Titled “Never Again is Now: Protect, Preserve, and Strengthen Jewish Life in Germany,” the resolution was supported by Union, SPD, Greens, FDP, and AfD lawmakers. The measure condemns rising antisemitic attitudes across both right- and left-wing ideologies, noting that antisemitism has increased sharply since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7. It also urges federal and state governments to ensure public funds do not go to organisations with antisemitic agendas, support for the BDS movement, or any denial of Israel’s right to exist.
The Bundestag’s resolution aligns with the IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism, which extends to actions targeting Israel as a Jewish collective. Supporters of the definition argue that it helps address the complex forms antisemitism can take, while critics, however, claim it can blur lines between genuine critique of Israel’s government policies and antisemitism, raising concerns about limitations on free speech and political dissent.
School and universities will be encouraged to apply stricter responses after antisemitic incidents in the form of exclusion from classes and studies, up to and including expulsion in particularly serious cases. It also calls for guidelines against antisemitism in art and culture, following controversies at events like the 2022 Documenta exhibition and this year’s Berlinale film festival.
The resolution was not without criticism. The Left Party abstained, with Gregor Gysi warning that it could limit freedom in arts and academia, and the Greens expressed concern that it might disproportionately target immigrant communities, emphasising the need for inclusivity in antisemitism-prevention efforts.
FDP politician Konstantin Kuhle stressed that the debate about antisemitism in Germany cannot be separated from the commitment to Israel’s right to exist. He stated that this applies to universities as well as to the migration debate. “Anyone who rightly demands protection from discrimination and racism for themselves cannot remain silent when it comes to antisemitic narratives and clichés, exclusion and violence, which also come from Muslims.”
Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Julia Duchrow, voiced similar concerns, warning, ”The resolution passed today… raises concerns about serious violations of fundamental and human rights as well as legal uncertainty”. CSU’s Andrea Lindholz emphasised that immigrants must respect Germany’s commitment to Jewish safety and Israel’s security.
In contrast, the AfD’s Jürgen Braun argued that immigration itself poses a threat to Jewish life in Germany, drawing sharp criticism from other parties. This bipartisan move underscores Germany’s commitment to tackling antisemitism and securing Jewish life within the country.
