By Karoline Preisler, FDP
On April 26, 1961, Lieutenant Schröder of the State Security in the former GDR in Magdeburg noted about my grandfather Karl Preisler: "Preisler goes to church every Sunday with his wife and son in Helmholtzstraße."
It goes on to say, “Preisler is of the opinion that the Church remained silent in the past regarding the persecution of Jews and many other blatant injustices, where it should not have remained silent. At that time, nothing was said against the persecution of Jews or against the treatment of prisoners. He still has this concern today…”
Back then, my family lived under a dictatorship. Jewish and Christian life, the fight against antisemitism, for freedom of expression and pluralism, was not easy. Although the circumstances were less favorable at the time, my grandfather stood up for Christian values. Now the circumstances are more favorable. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a democratic, pluralistic, liberal society. I love this freedom! But it also comes with responsibility.
That is why I do not remain silent when I witness the persecution of Jews and injustice. My grandfather and fellow lawyer, Karl Preisler, would have wanted it that way. I want it that way too. God gave us free will – so I use it. When I see walls defaced with antisemitic graffiti, I wipe away the insults or take care of their removal. When I see demonstrations expressing hatred of Jews, I speak out. I find it good to be able to make a difference. Silence would burden me more than the reactions of the rude Jew-haters directed at me. No one ever said it was easy to be a Christian in a democracy. The only certainty is that it is significantly harder outside of a democracy. So, when people currently endanger our peaceful coexistence by attacking our Jewish brothers and sisters here and around the world, it is a Christian duty to stand by the victims. You and I know all too well that the annihilation of the Jews would be followed by the annihilation of Christians.
It is often claimed that the university occupations, the anti-Israel rallies, the hatred of Jews are criticism of Israel. But they are not! The slogan "From the river to the sea – Palestine will be free" denies the right of Israel to exist, the only state with a predominantly Jewish population and intercultural coexistence. We are talking about a democratic state surrounded by dangers. Yet, on the ground, Israel is a custodian of creation, of humanity in all its diversity. Israel unites citizens from many religions and nations, believers and non-religious people with different lifestyles, sexual orientations, and security needs.
Meanwhile, some Jews are leaving Germany for Israel because they no longer feel safe here. This isn't just the feeling of a threatened minority. It's a fact! We are Christians and democrats, and we have a duty. Let us serve creation, our country, and our Jewish brothers and sisters by opposing calls for their annihilation. Ideally, a Christian is both grounded and deeply connected to God. Therefore, I firmly believe that he defends the freedom of his neighbor on earth.
I wish you many blessings for your endeavors!
This article first appeared in our newspaper "Israelaktuell," issue 138. You can order the newspaper here . We would also be happy to send you several copies for distribution.
