German government and opposition reach agreement on anti-Semitism resolution

BERLIN

The ruling coalition parties – the Social Democratic Party, the Green Party and the Free Democratic Party – together with the main opposition parties of the Christian Union have reached an agreement in Germany on a resolution to combat anti-Semitism.

In a statement, the groups emphasized Germany’s unique responsibility to protect Jewish life because of the Holocaust.

They announced an agreement on a resolution entitled “Never Now: Protecting, Preserving and Strengthening Jewish Life in Germany” in response to the Holocaust and the recent wave of anti-Semitic incidents since October 7, 2023.

The statement said “democratic center factions” must send a clear message against anti-Semitism.

German media reports said the resolution condemns all forms of anti-Semitism and calls on the government and local authorities to take concrete measures to combat hatred against Jewish communities.

In the arts and culture sector, the resolution emphasizes that anti-Semitism has no place, calling for the exclusion of organizations and projects that promote anti-Semitism, question Israel’s right to exist, call for a boycott of Israel, or actively support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. . financing.

He also proposes adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism.

The federal government is strongly encouraged to support states in imposing disciplinary measures, such as suspension or expulsion from schools and universities, for students who commit anti-Semitic crimes.

The resolution also calls for a review of university regulations to support these efforts.

In addition, he called for studying and possibly banning organizations and associations outside of Hamas that are associated with anti-Semitism.

It seeks to close legal loopholes related to anti-Semitism in criminal, immigration, asylum and citizenship laws.

While reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense under international law against attacks that violate international law, the resolution calls on the government to actively support Israel’s existence and legitimate security interests as a core principle of German foreign and security policy.

He also calls for increased efforts to find a negotiated two-state solution.

The resolution, which is expected to be debated and voted on in parliament next week, has no legal force but is expected to have political impact.

* Author: Alperen Aktas from Istanbul.

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