Germany's ruling coalition is advancing legislation that would prevent funding for the Boycott Divest Sanction (BDS) movement and bolster the fight against antisemitism.
"The fight against antisemitism is a mutual goal of all democratic parties," the parties said in a statement introducing their agreed initiative which is to be the basis of federal, state and municipal policies and to be put for a vote on November 9, when Germany commemorates Christal Nacht and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The legislation aims to fill loopholes in existing law and include intolerance toward antisemitism in cultural institutions and events, including the Berlin Film Festival.
"Projects or organizations that spread antisemitism, question Israel's right to exist, call for a boycott of Israel, or support the BDS will no longer receive financial support," the agreement reads.
The wording has caused controversy between the government and Germany's cultural world which claims it is an assault on the freedom of speech and expression in an attempt to prevent criticism of Israel.
The draft legislation titled: Never again begins now: defense protection and Strengthened Jewish Life in Germany, states that since the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, Germany has seen a rise in antisemitism, at levels not known since the Nazi era, in the German far-right, among radical Muslims and in the far left.
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Munich police after shooting near Israel's embassy in September
(Photo: Lukas Barth-Tuttas / AFP)
It includes a call for preventive measures and increased enforcement to fight the trend. The proposed law notes the increased and open antisemitism among migrants from North Africa and the Middle East who bring with them a legacy of antisemitism and hate towards Israel.
The bill calls for Germany to recognize the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism
Anti Israel protesters on campus in Berlin
(Reuters)
And calls for a ban on extreme German groups. The authors of the bill highlight the need to review the legality of the BDS movement in Germany and call for a renewed look at the sanctions available to educational institutions, especially universities when dealing with students inciting antisemitism.
The draft also highlights Israel's legitimate right to protect its citizens in accordance with international law, against terror organizations but adds Germany's hope for a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and allow a life of respect, peace and security for both peoples.
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