Berlin Jews criticize the anti-Semitism debate on the left

A group of Berlin Jews have criticized the current debate about anti-Semitism in the Left Party in an open letter. In the letter, which was first published by the taz, they defend the party and accuse the party's critics of exploiting the term anti-Semitism. The letter was signed by 150 people, including well-known authors Eva Menasse and Deborah Feldman and philosopher Susan Neiman.

"At a time when a partially openly fascist party is on its way to power across Germany, the major popular media and (important) parts of our own Jewish community are shirking their responsibility if they continue to act as if the left represents the greatest threat to Jewish security," the letter says.

The Central Council of Jews warned against forming a coalition with the Left Party

The letter does not specify which representatives of the Jewish community in Germany are being criticized. The Central Council of Jews in Germany expressed concern after the left's victory in the Berlin House of Representatives election. The Greens and the SPD also warned against a coalition with the party because it would “promote the progressive normalization of hatred of Jews.”

The open letter describes the fact that the left is dangerous for Jews as a “claim.” “We contradict this representation,” it says. Anti-Semitism occurs in many parts of society. "The fact that the left in particular are constantly accused of anti-Semitism is not only a cynical political instrumentalization, but also equates almost every criticism of Israeli politics with anti-Semitism." The "flood of accusations" serve the purpose of "suppressing other opinions and undermining international law."