Ambassador Prosor: Left-wing anti-Semitism is the greatest danger in Germany!

Ambassador Prosor: Left-wing anti-Semitism is the greatest danger in Germany!

The Israeli ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, has recently warned urgently about the phenomenon of left-wing extremist anti-Semitism. In his statements, which were picked up in various media, he differentiates between the ideas of the left, right and Islamist currents in Germany. Prosor sees left-wing anti-Semitism as particularly dangerous because it often appears in the guise of freedom of expression while at the same time calling for incitement against Jews. This assessment underscores the need to address anti-Semitism not only in the traditional sense, but also to recognize the subtle forms that are increasingly prevalent in progressive circles.

As the East Frisian news reports, Prosor says that anti-Semitism in Germany from the right-wing spectrum is being fought well, but the left-wing variant is often more difficult to identify and counter. According to Prosor, the limits of freedom of expression have often been exceeded at universities and theaters, leading to growing fear within the Jewish community.

Political responsibility and social fears

Particularly noteworthy is Prosor's reference to the physical and psychological threat to Jews in Germany. According to him, various Jews are afraid of being visible in certain neighborhoods and many are even considering purchasing apartments in Israel to feel safer. This is backed up by inquiries from concerned citizens about safety in German cities, particularly Berlin.

Former Federal President Joachim Gauck added to the discussion by calling for a more determined fight against anti-Semitism. This includes not only reactions to the right-wing Sonderweg, but also to anti-Semitic currents from the Arab world and the political left. Gauck is calling for a clear signal against any form of anti-Semitism, which is further fueling the debate about politics and society in Germany.

Left-wing anti-Semitism in context

Anti-Semitism in left-wing movements is often perceived as a contradiction, as these political movements usually advocate emancipation and freedom. As the Federal Agency for Civic Education explains, the analysis of left-wing anti-Semitism has become more relevant, especially in recent years. Anti-Semitic tendencies can often be found, particularly in criticism of capitalism and anti-imperialism.

An example of this is the criticism of capitalism, which often leads to Jewish people being blamed across the board for economic grievances. This portrayal is not only misleading, but also promotes the spread of anti-Semitic clichés such as the image of the “greedy Jew”. Such stereotypes are not uncommon in left-wing circles, and numerous actions, such as the Occupy protests, have promoted these narratives.

On the other hand, Israel is often seen as a “bridgehead” of US imperialism in solidarity, which leads to one-sided demonization. The boycott movement BDS is supported by parts of the academic world and puts the Palestinians in a positive light, while Israel's mistakes are often judged uncritically.

The confrontation with the Shoah also plays a central role in these discussions. Left-wing movements often find it difficult to deal constructively with this past, which means that anti-Semitism is not sufficiently discussed in their environment. As a result, solidarity approaches for Jewish victims of the Shoah, who are still living with the effects of their history today, are pushed into the background or are even perceived as annoying.

In summary, it can be said that the discussion about anti-Semitism in Germany, especially on the left spectrum, urgently needs to be held. It is time to shed light on the various facets of this problem and to understand the confrontation with anti-Semitism as an indispensable part of an emancipatory policy.