Israel is fighting for its survival and is threatened and attacked by antisemitic forces. Now more than ever, it is important that Germany stands by Israel's side.
A guest commentary by CSU General Secretary Martin Huber
Anyone who has ever visited Israel knows firsthand its unique character and significance. The State of Israel was founded against the horrific historical backdrop of the Holocaust and also out of the responsibility that arose from it: Jews from all over the world need a homeland where they can live in peace and security. The capital, Jerusalem, is a place of unparalleled cultural and religious importance. Here, the three major monotheistic world religions converge. In a place that is holy to all.
For me, as a devout Catholic, it was moving to pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, to stand at the Western Wall, to see the Dome of the Rock, to wander through the narrow streets of the Old City, and to gaze upon the Mount of Olives. At the same time, one could also feel and see the tensions that continue to test this holy land to this day. Israel was and truly is a place of promise, of wounds—and above all, of hope.
Israel has another important distinction: it is the only functioning democracy in the Middle East. For everything that makes Israel so special to continue to exist in the future, Israel and the Israeli people need one thing above all: security. This makes it all the more important that we, as Christians, as Germans, and as democrats, stand firmly by Israel's side.
The Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023, was an unprecedented attack on civilization and humanity, in which hundreds of innocent victims were brutally murdered. Many families still fear for the return of their abducted loved ones. This act of terror deliberately targeted civilians. It was not directed against the Israeli military, but against Jewish life itself. Hamas's goal was and remains the annihilation of Israel and Jewish life in the Middle East. Anyone who conceals or downplays this is complicit.
Of course, it's permissible to discuss Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. Criticizing the Israeli government is, of course, allowed. Criticism and freedom of expression are indispensable components of democracies. But they must not be misused as a cover for antisemitism. Unfortunately, we are seeing this happening more and more frequently – and not only in Germany.
„,'Never again' must not become a mere phrase."
Jewish schools and institutions increasingly require police protection, and Jewish students are being harassed and attacked at universities. The sense of security among many Jews in Germany has deteriorated significantly. We must resolutely oppose this alarming development, this new wave of antisemitic hatred. We must do so with all the means available to us as a state governed by the rule of law, but also together as a free and democratic society. We cannot allow Jews in our country – 80 years after the Shoah – to no longer feel safe. "Never again" must not become a mere platitude. This is both a mandate and a responsibility. The CSU unequivocally opposes all forms of antisemitism – regardless of whether it comes from the right, the left, or from Islamist circles.
Due to its history, Germany bears a special responsibility towards the Jewish people. This results in a lasting and indivisible solidarity with the State of Israel. Support for terrorist groups and calls for the destruction of Israel on the streets of Germany are unacceptable.
There is no forced solidarity; our solidarity with Israel is a lived responsibility. Politics must take a clear stand – against antisemitism, against hatred, against misguided neutrality. Targeted measures have already been ordered and expanded to protect Jewish and Israeli institutions in Bavaria. Bavaria and the CSU stand with Israel and Jewish life.
The Basic Law takes precedence in Germany and protects every single citizen. This must be guaranteed. Consistent prosecution of antisemitic crimes, both online and offline, is essential, as is a societal discourse that acknowledges the reality of Israel and is not based on ideological distortions. Civil society is called upon to act. Antisemitism doesn't begin with violence, but with a comment, a social media post, or a poster on the street.
We must all speak out when "criticism of Israel" turns into hatred and antisemitism. Those who remain silent become complicit. Partnerships, encounters, student exchanges, and city partnerships are especially important, as they foster unity in our diverse society, encouraging mutual respect and protection. This is also our duty as Christians. We must show Israel and all Jews: You are not alone. Jews are an integral part of our society. Antisemitism has no place in Germany.
"Peace can only exist if terror has no chance."
This commitment is more important than ever. Israel is fighting for its survival and is threatened and attacked by the antisemitic forces surrounding it. Israel has the right and the obligation to defend itself. Only in this way can the country guarantee that all three major world religions can pray safely at their holy sites. The right to self-defense is a fundamental principle. We all hope that peace will soon return to the Middle East and that a diplomatic solution will be reached. Violence will not create lasting peace.
Peace can only exist when terrorism is eradicated and Israel's right to exist is recognized throughout the Middle East and the world. As long as there are forces in the Middle East that seek to destroy Israel and Jewish life, Israel must protect itself and the Jewish people. This is what we, the CSU and the Free State of Bavaria, stand for: We take a clear stance and stand by Israel and Jewish life.
This article first appeared in our newspaper "Israelaktuell," issue 142. You can order the newspaper here . We would also be happy to send you several copies for distribution.
