German Leaders Unite Against Rising Antisemitism: 'Never Again' Must Be Unbreakable

Germany's chancellor and president, Olaf Scholz and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, have strongly condemned the rise in antisemitism in the country following the Israel-Hamas war. In separate appearances, they emphasized that it is unacceptable for such hatred to flourish in the nation that perpetrated the Holocaust. Thousands of people gathered in Berlin at a demonstration organized to show opposition to antisemitism and support for Israel, organized by a broad alliance of various organizations. Participants carried Israeli flags and posters with photos of individuals reported to be missing or held hostage by Hamas.

The organizers estimated that over 20,000 people took part, while police put the number at 10,000. President Steinmeier addressed the crowd in front of the Brandenburg Gate, stating that it is unbearable that Jews are living in fear again, especially in Germany. He called every attack on Jews and Jewish institutions a disgrace for the country and expressed his feelings of shame and anger.

Chancellor Scholz, during the inauguration of a new synagogue in Dessau, echoed Steinmeier's sentiments, emphasizing that the vow of "never again" must be unbreakable. He expressed his outrage at the antisemitic agitation spreading during the Gaza war and highlighted the need to oppose antisemitism in Germany as a civic duty. The antisemitic incidents have been rising in Germany following the violent escalation of the war in Gaza. Assailants threw Molotov cocktails at a synagogue in Berlin, leading to increased police protection for Jewish institutions.

German officials, including Scholz and Steinmeier, denounce these violent acts against Jewish people and institutions, expressing their concern for both Israeli and Palestinian civilians caught up in the conflict. They stressed the importance of addressing the domestic fallout of antisemitism, particularly in Germany. Germany has taken steps to increase security for Jewish institutions throughout the country in response to these incidents. Israeli flags that were flown as a sign of solidarity have been torn down and burnt, and some buildings in Berlin where Jews live have been vandalized with the star of David.

Additionally, a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Potsdamer Platz, which had been banned, was surrounded by police officers. Both Scholz and Steinmeier underscored that Jewish life is and remains a part of Germany. They vowed to protect and strengthen Jewish life in the country and stated that Germany will do everything possible to prevent the recurrence of antisemitism. They called on the German population to oppose antisemitism and to stand together in unity against hatred and discrimination.