Jewish Leader Warns of Rising Antisemitism in Germany and Europe

Josef Schuster highlights a surge in public antisemitism, criticizes media portrayals of Israel, and cautions against threats from extremist political parties.

• Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, described a significant increase in antisemitism following Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel.
• Schuster noted that while the percentage of Germans harboring antisemitic sentiments remains stable at around 20%, these individuals are now more vocal and, in some cases, violent.
• He criticized media outlets, including public broadcasters, for amplifying extremist narratives through the portrayal of negative images of Israel, particularly during the Gaza conflict.
• Schuster expressed concern over the potential impact of extremist political parties on Jewish life in Germany, warning that their influence could make the country unlivable for Jews.
• He advocated for the application of the 'Three-D Theory' to distinguish legitimate criticism of Israel from antisemitism, emphasizing the importance of avoiding demonization, double standards, and delegitimization.

3 Articles

Der Tagesspiegel Die Zeit Augsburger Allgemeine