World News
German Chancellor: Jewish Life in Germany ‘No Longer Safe’
Friedrich Merz pledged to confront rising antisemitism, saying the situation facing Germany’s Jewish community has become one of the country’s most serious problems.
Merz speaking inside the Reichenbachstrasse Synagogue. Credit: Bundesregierung / Guido BergmannGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Jewish life in Germany is “no longer safe” and pledged to take stronger action against antisemitism.
Merz made the comments at a press conference in Berlin on Monday, a day after regional elections in the German capital and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
“The fact that Jewish life in Germany is no longer safe is the most serious burden of recent years,” Merz said. He added that the issue should deeply concern all of Germany’s democratic parties.
Merz said his Christian Democratic Union, and he personally, would do everything possible to protect Jewish life in Germany, particularly in Berlin.
He also described rising antisemitism as a “disgrace for Germany” and said Jewish communities in Germany and abroad were watching developments in the capital with serious concern.
The comments came after the Left Party won the largest share of votes in Berlin’s state election. Its lead candidate, Elif Eralp, is seeking to form a coalition with the Social Democrats and Greens.
Both potential coalition partners have called on the Left Party to address allegations of antisemitism involving some of its local branches. The controversy has largely centered on statements and activities connected to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Eralp has rejected the suggestion that Jewish residents would be unsafe under a government she leads. She said ensuring that Jews, Muslims and other communities can live safely in Berlin would be an “absolute priority.” She also said the glorification of violence and terrorism was unacceptable.
Merz’s latest remarks follow several previous warnings about antisemitism in Germany.
In his Rosh Hashanah message earlier this month, the chancellor said the government viewed antisemitic incidents and attacks with “horror.” He pledged that authorities would work to ensure Jews could live safely and securely in the country.
The German government has repeatedly described protecting Jewish life as a responsibility rooted in the country’s history.
Merz has also said Germany must remain a safe place for Jews and has pledged to confront antisemitism wherever it appears.
