German Pastor Suspended Over Antisemitic Symbols at Church Christmas Market

A church-organized market in Darmstadt drew outrage for selling items with Hamas symbols and anti-Israel slogans, leading to investigations and legal action.

The Evangelical Michaelsgemeinde in Darmstadt held an 'anti-colonial' Christmas market featuring items with Hamas symbols and slogans calling for the eradication of Israel.
The Evangelical Church in Hessen and Nassau (EKHN) has suspended the pastor, Manfred Werner, from his duties pending an investigation into the incident.
The Jüdische Gemeinde Darmstadt, along with other groups and individuals, has filed criminal complaints citing the promotion of terrorist symbols and incitement to hatred.
Local officials, including Darmstadt's mayor and the state’s antisemitism commissioner, condemned the event as antisemitic and accused it of delegitimizing Israel's right to exist.
Pastor Werner claims he was unaware of the nature of the items being sold and has apologized, while the church and prosecutors continue to investigate potential legal violations.

Stern

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung