"We've returned to living in a shtetl": Jews in Germany describe fear on the streets

Jews from Berlin, Hanover, Frankfurt, and Mannheim describe a rise in overt antisemitism since October 7: curses, spitting, mezuzahs being torn off, and fear of wearing a kippah. Community leaders call on the federal government to toughen penalties and for the Jewish public to fortify their identity with pride, alongside a growing sense of loneliness.

Jews in Germany describe a harsh and frightening reality since October 7. Josh Aronson brings testimonies from Berlin, Hanover, Frankfurt, and Mannheim about overt antisemitism: street curses, spitting, mezuzahs torn from doorways, and fear of wearing a kippah. Max Baum, head of a community organization, identifies a psychological mechanism in German society: "Antisemitism is now covered by criticism of Israel" and feels that German society is happy to blame Israel in order to relativize its own history. He says: "We've returned to living in a shtetl." Shtanovsky, another Jew, recounts a mezuzah being torn off, stinging remarks, and shouts of "Free Palestine" directed at him. He notes that "support for Jews has become quiet and hidden." An anonymous kippah-wearing witness describes curses, shouts, and spitting at regular anti-Israel protests, and expresses pessimism: most Jews will hide their identity or leave. Davidoff criticizes the authorities in Germany, claiming they are not doing enough compared to Austria. Despite the grim picture, community leaders call for not bowing their heads: to protect the heritage publicly and with upright posture, and to demand the government toughen penalties. Shtanovsky concludes: "The best answer to hatred is a strong Judaism and cohesive communities."