WhatsappQuite a pleasant surprise that Germany is taking active steps to fight the growing anti-Israel boycott movement. Thank you.
Bilateral Relations
Interestingly enough, Germany is one of Israel’s best friends in Western Europe. No, they do not always support Israel. They are even very critical of Israeli policy most of the time. However, even with that, Germany has a special relationship with Israel, most probably still due to a guilt complex for being responsible for the mass murder of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust.
Still, these recent German steps against the anti-Israel boycott movement are not a given, and even quite surprising.
Frankfurt Response
Frankfurt Deputy Mayor Uwe Becker will no longer allow anti-Israel businesses to do business in Frankfurt. “I consider it extremely problematic when banks, including in Germany, maintain business relations with organizations that incite antisemitism and place Israel’s existence into question”
Not a Given
The anti-Israel boycott movement is growing. It has little impact on Israel’s economy, but it is having a great impact in the public relations sphere, branding Israel an apartheid state that should be boycotted. More youth, including progressive Jewish youth, are turning against Israel because of the success of their campaigns.
As these boycott campaigns are becoming more mainstream, they create a snowball effect. One can easily assume that progressive governments, like Germany, would jump on board the boycott Israel bandwagon. Maybe not actively supporting it, but not actively fighting it either.
Therefore, we must show our deep appreciation to those in Germany who them taking this stance.
