Deputy President of the Bundestag, Bodo Ramelow, attributes the root cause of antisemitism, both within and outside his own party, to a fading collective memory of the crimes of National Socialism. Speaking to “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” he expressed concern that the declining understanding of the Holocaust among the current generation signals a problem. He noted that the post-war generation’s insight into Israel’s existence as a consequence of the Holocaust is faltering.
Ramelow also pointed out that some younger individuals are adopting arguments from the Arab side, suggesting that “we are to blame for the suffering of the Palestinians”. He strongly refuted the idea that such comments absolve one of any responsibility regarding groups like Hamas or Hezbollah. According to him, this sentiment is rooted in a lack of knowledge, particularly concerning how Hamas and Hezbollah approach gender equality. Ramelow stated that these groups embody a highly authoritarian form of religious fanaticism, an aspect that is often ignored.
He emphasized that the problem of antisemitism does not belong to his party alone. He characterized the evaluation of the situation in the Middle East and the history of Israel’s founding as an issue that transcends a single generation. Ahead of the party convention scheduled for Potsdam in June, he advised that the party must engage with the issue with complete clarity of content. Ramelow expressed his hope that a thorough process of reflection would begin-one that defines the core principles of the emancipatory left. However, he warned that this reflection cannot be separated from the “real existing Jew-hatred in Germany” calling such a disconnection a grave mistake. He concluded by stating that he has personally decided to endure this conflict, implying that enduring it means actively shaping it. It was noted that Ramelow has addressed antisemitism multiple times within his own ranks and has consequently faced internal criticism.