Israeli ambassador warns of left-wing anti-Semitism in Germany

Israel's ambassador has warned about left-wing anti-Semitism in Germany.

This form is more dangerous than anti-Semitism from the right and more dangerous than Islamist anti-Semitism, because "it hides its intentions," Ron Prosor told newspapers of the Funke media group in remarks published on Sunday.

In Germany, he said, authorities "know very well, politically and legally, how to fight anti-Semitism from the right."

Islamist anti-Semitism is also extremely dangerous, "because it undermines the democratic order like a Trojan horse," Prosor said. "But people are learning how to deal with that."

Left-wing anti-Semitism, however, "always operates on the boundary between freedom of expression and freedom to incite - and has now clearly crossed that boundary," he said.

"That is why left-wing anti-Semitism is, for me, the most dangerous," the ambassador said.

In Europe, this can be seen at universities and in theatres, according to Prosor.

"People like to present themselves as educated, moral and politically correct," he said. "But the red line of what is still covered by freedom of expression has long been crossed."

Day after day, Israel is demonized and delegitimized, "and the consequences are felt by all Jews," Prosor continued. For now, it is still a scandal when an Israeli conductor is disinvited from a festival in Belgium, "but the boundaries of what can be said are shifting."

The Flanders Festival Ghent cancelled a guest appearance in September by the Munich Philharmonic under the direction of Israeli conductor Lahav Shani. The reason given was that Shani is also music director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and that his position on the Israeli government was unclear.

The move drew sharp criticism in Germany. The festival was accused of anti-Semitism. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever distanced himself from the decision and spoke of damage to his country.

Prosor said Jews in Germany are afraid. Many are now buying apartments in Israel, as French Jews have done before. He said he receives calls asking whether it is safe to come to Berlin. His answer: "Yes, it is safe - but better not walk down Sonnenallee in Neukölln with a Star of David," he said, referring to a street in Berlin known for its large Arab community.

Former German president Joachim Gauck has called for a more determined fight against anti-Semitism, including when it comes from the Arab world or from the political left.