BERLIN (Agencies): The German Parliament on Thursday passed a controversial anti-Semitism resolution, which critics argue will stifle any criticism of Israel, Anadolu Agency reports.
The non-binding motion titled “Never Again is Now: Protecting, Preserving, and Strengthening Jewish Life in Germany” was approved by votes in Parliament, with support from the co-ruling Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens, as well as opposition parties such as the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the liberal Free Democrats and Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Meanwhile, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance for Understanding and Justice (BSW) party voted against the resolution, while the Left Party abstained.
The movement, which condemns the country’s increasing anti-Semitic incidents, states that Germany bears a special responsibility in the fight against anti-Semitism as a result of the Nazi-era Holocaust.
It said, “We must draw attention to anti-Semitism, warn against it and stand loudly and visibly against it.”
The movement called on the German government to strengthen Jewish life in the country by keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive, supporting memorial sites and encouraging educational activities.
Furthermore, the resolution prohibits public funding for any organisation or project that promotes anti-Semitism, questions Israel’s right to exist, calls for a boycott of Israel or actively supports the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
According to the resolution, Israel has the right to defend itself against attacks that violate international law within the framework of international law, and it calls on the government to continue actively defending the existence of the state of Israel and its legitimate security interests as a fundamental principle of German foreign and security policy.
Meanwhile, many civil society organisations and intellectuals, including prominent Jewish scholars, have criticised the movement, warning that it may violate fundamental rights such as free expression, free assembly, freedom of science and artistic freedom.