In the name of the Chancellor, deputy government spokesperson Georg Streiter stated in Berlin,

"The Chancellor and the entire German government condemn in the strongest possible terms the outbreaks of violence and the anti-Semitic rhetoric at pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli demonstrations. They mark an attack on liberty and tolerance and must be seen as an attempt to shake our free democratic order. We cannot and will not accept this. The German government assures those affected of their sympathy and their support. The security authorities will take every attack on Jewish facilities or individuals extremely seriously. Anti-Semitic crimes will be rigorously pursued using every option provided for by the rule of law.

The Chancellor and the entire German government are delighted to see the recovery of a vibrant Jewish community in Germany and will continue to do all they can to ensure the safety and security of Jewish citizens. Friendship and partnership link the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Israel, and the Federal Republic of Germany will continue to support the Jewish community inside Germany and to foster German-Israeli relations with all its strength."

In a statement issued jointly with the French and Italian foreign ministers, Federal Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier also condemned "anti-Semitic rhetoric and hostility towards Jews, attacks on people of the Jewish faith or synagogues". The foreign ministers expressly condemned "the ugly anti-Semitic comments, demonstrations and attacks of the last few days in the strongest possible terms".

Unacceptable slogans

"Anti-Jewish slogans designed to foster hatred are absolutely unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances," said Federal Justice Minister Heiko Maas. "Germany must never again become a stage for anti-Semitism. We cannot accept anti-Semitic rhetoric at demonstrations in Germany." And he added, "We must do everything to protect Jewish life in Germany. We cannot allow anyone to feel threatened here in our country."

"Israel is entitled to defend itself. Protests are acceptable against this, but the form these protests are currently taking is alarming," said Heiko Maas. Freedom of opinion is no justification for inciting popular hatred, and under no circumstances can it be used to justify violence.

A red line has been crossed

Federal Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière also stressed that while the freedom of opinion enshrined in the German Basic Law or constitution does give people the right to criticise the policy of the State of Israel, the demonstrations of the last few days against Israel’s military action in Gaza have crossed a red line.

"Under no circumstances may the right of the State of Israel to exist be called into question. Equally there can be no place in German public opinion for open or concealed hatred towards Jews," said the Federal Interior Minister. Public prosecutors, the police and authorities responsible for approving rallies and public gatherings are called on to intervene openly and, where appropriate, to start criminal investigations, said Federal Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière.

Protecting Israelis living in Germany and their facilities

The deputy government spokesperson Christiane Wirtz reported that the security authorities in Germany were doing everything they could "to protect both Israeli citizens and Israeli facilities".