German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivered a sharp address against rising antisemitism, declaring that tolerance for Jew-hatred disqualifies any political party from holding power in Germany. In his remarks, Steinmeier made clear that fighting antisemitism is not merely an ideological position but a fundamental condition for participation in government and political legitimacy.
The president's statement comes amid growing concern among German politicians and public figures over pro-Hamas elements in the country. Some officials have reportedly expressed fear of these groups, leading them to criticize Israel disproportionately out of concern for their own safety.
"Whoever calls 'death to Jews' in the streets or demands the destruction of the Jewish state must find no understanding or applause in any political party," Steinmeier declared.
He emphasized that this standard must guide political conduct throughout the country: "Everywhere coalition negotiations are held and governments are formed, this must be a threshold condition. Antisemitism must not be allowed to influence government policy anywhere in Germany."
The German president also addressed the phenomenon of antisemitism disguised as legitimate protest over events in the Middle East: "There is Jew-hatred that wears the mask of criticism or protest, as a political position regarding the conflict in the Middle East. Anyone who uses criticism as a tool to deny the Jewish community in Israel, or even the State of Israel itself, the right to exist, or to call for violence, has crossed the line and arrived at Jew-hatred."
