Hot-Topics

Insights from ministers on anti-Israel sentiments in universities

The removal of foreign guests from Sylt caused an uproar among political leaders. Most politicians in Berlin were vocal about the disgraceful incidents at an exclusive party on the wealthy island. From the Federal President to the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, as well as the Minister of...

SymClub
May 30, 2024
3 min read
NewsHamasAnti-SemitismBerlinIsraelUniversityPolitics-Inland
So far, little has come from the cabinet members around Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Vice-Chancellor...
So far, little has come from the cabinet members around Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck and Finance Minister Christian Lindner on the subject of hatred of Israel at universities

Attention!

Limited offer

Learn more

BILD magazine posed the question: - Insights from ministers on anti-Israel sentiments in universities

"I'm worried about the growing rudeness in political relationships." "Recent happenings at a bar on the island of Sylt only intensify this anxiety."

PROTESTS AT HUMBOLDT UNIVERSITY:

In answer, Steinmeier tacitly approves the vacating of the occupied institute at the Berlin Humboldt University:

"Protests and the expression of opinions are essential in a democracy, even at universities. However, the line is crossed when these actions involve antisemitic offenses. Here, the law must take control."

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD)

AT SYLT:

"It's obvious: These slogans are despicable, they're not acceptable."

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (68)

"And they shouldn't be tolerated. That's why all our efforts are focused on stopping this from spreading."

PROTESTS AT UNIS:

The response from the Chancellor was less clear: "We're not passing judgment on the institute occupations. We're entrusting that to the responsible parties. I might mention that during my time as a student, the institute was occupied for different reasons." Hence, he doesn't wish to say anything further about this.

Deputy Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens)

AT SYLT:

"Those who rant, exclude, and scream fascist slogans attack what holds our country together."

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (65, SPD)

PROTESTS AT UNIS:

No action has been taken yet.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP)

AT SYLT:

"I'm dismayed by the deteriorating atmosphere in Germany, the debating climate in our country." He views the occurrence of guests at a club on Sylt shouting "Auslander raus" and "Deutschland den Deutschen" as "a glaringly xenophobic occurrence."

PROTESTS AT UNIS:

Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck (54, Greens)

Lindner's spokesperson refers to statements made by the minister on Tuesday:

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD)

AT SYLT:

"Individuals who raise their voices with Nazi slogans like 'Deutschland den Deutschen – Ausländer raus' are a disgrace for Germany."

PROTESTS AT UNIS:

Thus far, no concrete steps have been taken.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner (45, FDP)

When directly questioned about whether this should be interpreted as a condemnation of the university occupations, she responded: "No." It's about the freedom of expression.

Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP)

AT SYLT:

"Xenophobic slogans are against everything the Basic Law represents." And: "Whoever shouts this is a novice in history."

PROTESTS AT UNIS:

Buschmann defended the authorities' actions after the clearing of the occupied institute in Berlin and added: "Universities are special places - but they are not above the law. Protests on the university campus are subject to the same regulations as other demonstrations."

Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (53, SPD)

Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD)

AT SYLT:

[No translation available]

PROTESTS AT UNIS:

[No translation available]

Asked directly about whether this should be seen as a rebuke for the university occupations, she replied: "No." It's about the freedom of expression.

Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann (46, FDP)

He responded to a similar situation at a shooting festival in Lower Saxony:

"Singing hateful slogans against people is unforgivable. It's beneficial that the state protection of the Gifhorn police is now investigating the incident in Altendorf. (...) I urge all present citizens to show civil courage against such incidents and for our free society."

PROTESTS AT UNIS:

No measures have been implemented so far.

Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil (51, SPD)

Read also:

Source:

Attention!

Limited offer

Learn more