Prominent Left-Wing Politicians Condemn Anti-Israel Sentiment at Youth congress
Berlin – Leading figures within Germany’s Left Party, including Gregor Gysi and Bodo Ramelow, have publicly criticized a recent resolution passed at the party’s youth congress that sparked accusations of anti-Semitism and “eliminatory anti-Zionism.” The controversy centers on the youth wing’s stance toward Israel, which critics argue has crossed a line into unacceptable hostility.
The resolution, adopted last weekend, has ignited a firestorm of debate within the party and drawn condemnation from external groups dedicated to combating anti-Semitism. The core concern is that the youth congress’s rhetoric and decisions are fostering an environment where criticism of israeli policy veers into hatred of Israel itself,echoing dangerous ancient tropes. This internal conflict underscores a growing tension within the Left Party regarding its position on Israel and the broader issue of anti-Semitism, potentially impacting the party’s credibility and future political alliances.
According to reports, the youth congress was accused of “pushing existing dissenting voices out of the association” and employing “authoritarian behavior” in the process. Gysi reportedly stated that “Israel is a necessity from the Shoah,” a direct response to the anti-Zionist sentiments expressed at the congress. Ramelow echoed these concerns, warning that “eliminatory anti-Zionism” has no place within left-wing youth movements.
The party executive committee received a letter on Wednesday from the newly forming Federal Working Group Shalom, which explicitly called for a clear and unequivocal condemnation of the youth congress’s decision.The letter, published by welt, stated that the events where “no longer an isolated case and no surprise” and demanded support for those opposing anti-Semitism, Islamist terror, and all forms of violence.
Frederick Schindler,a political editor for Welt,reports on the AfD,Islamism,anti-Semitism,and justice issues,and his column “Counter Speech” provides ongoing coverage of these critical topics. The fallout from the youth congress resolution is expected to continue as the Left Party grapples with its internal divisions and seeks to address the growing concerns about anti-Semitism within its ranks.