Who are the Antideutsche, Germany's pro-Israel anti-fascist left-wing group? - explainer

The Jerusalem Post profiles the Antideutsche, a pro-Israel anti-fascist left-wing group in Germany that emerged over thirty years ago. In January 2026, rival pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests in Leipzig drew thousands, with over 1,400 police deployed. The group opposes German nationalism and considers defending Israel part of anti-fascist politics.

The Jerusalem Post explains the Antideutsche, a pro-Israel anti-fascist left-wing group in Germany that emerged over thirty years ago. In January 2026, about 1,400 people took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Leipzig, while between 1,600 and 2,000 attended a protest in solidarity with Israel. Over 1,400 police officers were deployed. The Antideutsche oppose German nationalism, criticize antisemitism among the left, and consider defending Israel a necessary part of anti-fascist politics. The article traces the group's history from the 1990 reunification protests to the 2003 Iraq War, noting internal disagreements. An anonymous activist, Z., describes the movement as decentralized, with no central leadership, and united by support for Israel's right to exist. The Hamas attack on October 7 intensified conflicts within the German left, with former allies now on opposing sides.