Amid the Gaza war, Germany is grappling with an increasingly active Muslim population, many of whom support Hamas and incite hate against Israel-not to mention Jews in general. In the below article in the Berliner Morgenpost, dated 11-21-23, writer Jan Doener examines the problem. Translation by Fousesquawk.
Anti-Semitism
Israel-hate in Germany: Faeser makes announcement to Muslims
November 21, 2023 at 06:02
By Jan Doerner
Caption: Women raise the index finger of their right hands in "Gaza under bombardment-United against injustice demonstrated. The extended index finger is a gesture often used by supporters of Islamism.
Anti-Jewish protests have alarmed the interior minister. Her worry about societal division is growing. For good reason.
Berlin. Celebrations for Hamas terror against Israel. Demonstrations for a caliphate on German streets, anti-Semitic incitement online. The reactions to the Middle East war among Muslims in Germany have alarmed security authorities and the federal government. The events have thrown a spotlight on Jew-hatred among immigrants and have triggered a debate on immigration. On the other hand, the federal government is concerned about a division in society.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) is therefore calling on Islamic associations here in this country to speak out loud and clear against Jew-hatred and hostility to Israel": In the Friday prayers, in the community, or on their own social media channels. "The large Islamic associations must ensure that anti-Semitic sentiments do not spread further," demands Faeser in a conversation with this editorial staff and wishes that some associations, "would express themselves with more clarity."
Faeser invited the German Islam Conference to a conference on Tuesday and Wednesday to analyze the consequences of the war between Hamas and Israel on society. In addition to the Islamic associations, figures from the Jewish (community) are expected. "The threats against Jews and incitement against Israel must be opposed by all whose voices are important," the interior minister describes as the goal of the conference.
Hostility to Muslims in Germany widespread
Some 5.5 million Muslims live in Germany, they make up almost 7% of the population. Half of them possess a German passport. The accusation of unwillingness to integrate is constantly raised against immigrants, especially from Muslim countries, mostly recently after the riots last New Year's Eve. And now the topic arises after the atrocities by Hamas were celebrated on German streets. "These people are not integrated into our society," said the CDU politician Thorsten Frei.
Caption: Interior Minister Nancy Faeser(SPD) demands," The large Islamic associations must ensure that anti-Semitic sentiments do not spread further."
On the other side, studies show how difficult the majority of society makes it for Muslims. In a report by the expert group, Hostility to Muslims, this past summer, it is reported that "Hostility to Muslims is not a marginal societal phenomenon, rather is widespread in large parts of the German population and has remained at a high level for years." Accordingly, many Muslims experience not only prejudice and rejection but also hate and violence are part of their experiences. According to a current publication by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, almost half of people with roots in predominantly Muslim countries feel discriminated against while looking for residences.
Now come the tensions in the Middle East. The federal government sees the current developments as explosive for society. So they are sending a double message: On the one hand, it wants to clearly identify, condemn, and where possible, prosecute anti-Semitism among people living here. On the other hand, it fears a division when Muslims, especially people of Palestinian origin in Germany, feel hostility and under pressure as generally being anti-Jewish and Hamas sympathizers.
Faeser: We are proceeding against Islamists, not against Islam
Faeser emphasized: "We are proceeding hard against Islamists, not against Islam." This differentiation is of the utmost importance. "In no case, should Muslims in Germany be held liable for the Islamist terror. Most Muslims have for a long time had deep roots in our democratic society," the SPD politician added. "They are just as horrified by the barbaric violence of Hamas as all of us. Therefore, every generalization is false- and leads to division and exclusion."
Caption: Three men in a mosque in Cologne
On this, the Office for Protection of the Constitution (Security Police) also warns: "The overwhelming majority of people with Palestinian roots live a (law-abiding) life in Germany," said President Thomas Haldenwang recently to Der Spiegel. He warns:" To put all of them under general suspicion can fuel the radicalization process."
Haldenweg's (agency) nevertheless, sees immigration as a significant source of anti-Semitism. In the current situation report on anti-Semitism, the Federal Office for Protection of the Constitution says in 2022 that the number of persons hostile to Israel has grown with the arrival of refugees since 2015. "Such people have grown the personal anti-Semitism potential in Germany. So this is an imported anti-Semitism."
Anti-Semitism among refugees- Office of Protection of Constitution warns
German security authorities are currently observing that the events in the Middle East are strongly emotionalizing and, in some cases, radicalizing parts of the Muslim population in Germany. Social media is full of information and images about the conflict and its consequences, for example, the Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip. They are aware that actors from the Islamist scene are deliberately spreading fake news and conspiracy theories.
Recurring criticism on the relevant internet channels is also being directed against the pro-Israeli position of the government. Politicians, media, and police are being accused of incitement and racism. People with a migration background, who have gained many followers to date with non-political content, have, according to authorities, expressed themselves now with increased resonance on the war in the Middle East. Investigators are finding it increasingly difficult to keep an eye on the rapidly growing scene. That is a danger should individuals feel called to act out beyond participating in demonstrations.
Not only the security authorities, (but) politicians are also following the developments with concern.
"The Islamist scene in Germany is more active than it has been for years," says Green Chairman Omid Nouripour to this editorial staff. "Islamists spread their propaganda and incite young people to violence (and) sow hate in our society." Nouripour demands: "These developments require now our utmost attention- that includes also a notable increase in the capability of our security authorities". For this, investments in personnel and equipment are urgently necessary.
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