After a tough fight, the Bundestag passed a resolution to protect Jewish life in Germany. That’s fine, but it took too long. The real task facing the country is only now beginning.
For a year, the four parliamentary groups in the Bundestag have been discussing a draft resolution on combating anti-Semitism. The day after the collapse of the governing coalition, the Bundestag passed the resolution “Never again now: Protect, preserve and strengthen Jewish life in Germany”, with rare agreement with the votes of the CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, FDP and even AfD. against the left (abstentions) and BSW (votes against) accepted. It just looks slightly different from the draft already available in November 2023.
Will what takes a long time finally be good? The resolution is good, but it could and should have been achieved much earlier. Because while parliamentarians debate the wording, “in Germany we are witnessing hatred towards Jews and anti-Semitism linked to Israel at a level not seen for decades,” the text reads.
After all, it is official time: “The development since 7 October 2023 can be traced back to increasingly open and violent anti-Semitism in right-wing and Islamic extremist circles, as well as a relativizing approach and growing anti-Semitism linked to Israel and on the left. Semitism,” reads somewhat irregularly but accurately.
And again: “The frightening dimension of anti-Semitism has also become evident, which is based on immigration from the countries of North Africa and the Near and Middle East, where anti-Semitism and hostility towards Israel are widespread, also due to of Islamist pressures and anti-Israeli state indoctrination.”
The resolution clarifies that in the future artistic or cultural projects that pursue anti-Semitic objectives should not be financed; that schools and universities should use all legal means to sanction anti-Semites, that the memory of the Shoah is as important as “our unshakable promise to protect the right to exist of the State of Israel as a safe homeland of the Jewish people.”
So end of discussion. But now the work begins. In an interview with “Zeit,” Maram Stern, president of the World Jewish Congress, said of the resolution: “I have long been bothered by these empty phrases. Ultimately they mean nothing.” The Berlin-born son of Holocaust survivors says: “As a German I expect much more from Germany.”
The resolutions are not binding
He’s right. Bundestag resolutions are not binding. Now we need laws and regulations. Changes in criminal law. Financing guidelines. Clear requests to people who want to become German citizens and their children. Training and help for school and university teachers, police officers, prosecutors and judges. And – in spite of the “unshakable promise of protection” – more diplomatic support, more money and weapons for Israel. All of this will be met with resistance, indifference, inertia, perplexity, opportunism and lack of resources.
At least the “phrases” are there. Anyone who does not support them should have no political responsibility anywhere in this country.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Anti-Semitism Expert
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Miriam Roth, a leading expert on anti-Semitism and contemporary Jewish issues in Europe. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Roth.
Dr. Roth: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right into the recent resolution passed by the Bundestag to protect Jewish life in Germany. This was a significant step, but many feel it took too long. What is your take on the resolution and its timing?
Dr. Roth: The resolution is indeed an important milestone, but it reflects a crisis that has been brewing for quite some time. For over a year, parliamentarians discussed this draft while anti-Semitic incidents were escalating across the nation. The delayed response indicates a failure to recognize the urgency of the situation as it unfolded.
Editor: You mentioned the escalating anti-Semitism. The resolution itself acknowledges a level of hatred not seen for decades. Can you elaborate on what specific factors have contributed to this rise?
Dr. Roth: Certainly. The resolution points to a few critical factors. There’s been a notable surge in violent anti-Semitism from various extremist groups, including both right-wing and radical Islamic factions. Furthermore, there’s a troubling trend of anti-Semitism linked to perceptions of Israel that transcends political boundaries and has even infiltrated parts of the left.
Editor: That seems concerning. The document highlights that this rise is also tied to immigration from regions with prevalent anti-Semitic sentiments. How does that dynamic complicate the situation in Germany?
Dr. Roth: It complicates the situation significantly. The influx of people from North Africa and the Middle East, where anti-Semitic sentiment is often entrenched in political and cultural narratives, introduces additional challenges for integration and social cohesion. These factors can create a hostile environment for Jewish communities, undermining efforts to foster a more inclusive society.
Editor: And we also see a rare consensus in the Bundestag with support from various political parties. How do you assess this political landscape?
Dr. Roth: The cross-party support for the resolution is a positive sign, indicating that there’s a general recognition of the problem at hand. However, it’s crucial that this unity translates into concrete actions rather than just symbolic gestures. The political will must be sustained and channeled into effective policies and educational programs aimed at combating anti-Semitism in all its forms.
Editor: What should be the next steps for Germany now that this resolution has passed?
Dr. Roth: The real task begins now. Germany needs to implement the provisions outlined in the resolution promptly and effectively. This involves not only increased education about the Holocaust and anti-Semitism in schools but also outreach programs to foster dialogue between communities. Moreover, law enforcement agencies should be properly equipped to deal with hate crimes, and there must be a commitment to provide protection for Jewish individuals and institutions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Roth, for sharing your insights. It seems clear that while this resolution is a step in the right direction, the work to create a safe and inclusive environment for Jewish life in Germany is just beginning.
Dr. Roth: Absolutely, and thank you for addressing this critical issue. Only through continuous effort and societal engagement can we hope to combat the rising tide of anti-Semitism effectively.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, and for all our viewers, we’ll continue to track the progress of these initiatives closely. Stay tuned for more updates on this pressing issue.