Overview
- The Thomas-Dehler-Preis was presented to Imam Benjamin Idriz in Munich on October 29, with foundation president Thomas Hacker praising him as a bridge-builder.
- Jewish leaders and several FDP politicians condemned the choice, pointing to Idriz’s posts and sermons on Israel and Gaza that they view as inappropriate or relativizing.
- Idriz’s October 2025 Facebook post urging Jewish communities to distance themselves from Israel’s government, likening it to how Muslims rejected the IS, drew sharp rebukes.
- Critics also cite the Penzberg community’s mentions in Bavaria’s 2007–2010 security reports for alleged ties to Islamist groups, while supporters say those concerns were addressed or contested.
- In fresh comments, Idriz rejected the accusations as absurd, affirmed Israel’s right to exist and a two‑state solution, and received public support from Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger and local church and city figures.