Germany Confronts Resurgent Antisemitism: The CDU's Search for Answers Amidst Rising Fears

Berlin, Germany – Germany, a nation acutely aware of its historical burden, is grappling with a concerning resurgence of antisemitism, reaching levels not witnessed in decades. The rise in anti-Jewish sentiment and incidents has spurred a broad national conversation, with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) at the forefront of political efforts to formulate robust responses. This critical juncture demands both a reflection on Germany's unique responsibility and a forward-looking strategy to safeguard Jewish life, which is increasingly feeling threatened across the country.

A Troubling Resurgence: Antisemitism's Grip on Germany

Recent data paints a stark picture of escalating antisemitism in Germany. The year 2025 saw a new high in antisemitic offenses, with authorities recording 2,267 incidents, a significant increase from 1,825 in 2024 and 900 in 2023. Disturbingly, the Federal Association of Departments for Research and Information on Antisemitism (RIAS), a publicly funded research and data collection center, documented 5,164 antisemitic offenses in 2023, an 83% spike compared to the preceding year. Following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, RIAS reported an average of 32 antisemitic incidents per day in Germany, a sharp rise from seven per day in 2022. This surge includes acts ranging from propaganda offenses and property damage to incitement to hatred and violent assaults.

The sources of this antisemitism are diverse, with police attributing a majority of the 2025 offenses (1,484 cases) to "foreign ideology," frequently linked to the Middle East conflict and often manifesting during pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Islamist actors motivated nearly 350 offenses, while right-wing extremism accounted for 327 cases. The impact on Germany's Jewish community is profound. Many Jewish individuals report feeling unsafe, with some even resorting to hiding their Jewish identity in public spaces or advising their children to do so at school. Synagogues and other Jewish institutions remain under heavy police protection, a constant reminder of the pervasive threat.

Germany's Enduring Commitment and the CDU's Assertive Stance

Germany's institutionalized opposition to antisemitism is deeply rooted in its acknowledgement of the Holocaust and its unique historical responsibility. The security of Israel and the protection of Jewish life in Germany are considered integral to the nation's "Staatsräson," a fundamental guiding principle articulated by former Chancellor Angela Merkel. In response to the escalating threat, the German federal government established the office of "Commissioner of the Government for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Anti-Semitism" in 2018, with most federal states also appointing their own commissioners by 2024.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Germany's senior governing political party, has been particularly vocal and active in addressing the crisis. CDU Leader Friedrich Merz recently declared that Jewish life in Germany is "as threatened as it has not been for a long time." Speaking at Berlin's Jewish Campus, where the CDU executive board convened in a powerful display of solidarity, Merz highlighted the alarming trends of crimes, assaults, and antisemitic graffiti. The CDU's visit to the Jewish Campus underscored the party's unwavering commitment to protecting Jewish communities. Following this meeting, the CDU released a 14-point position paper. This document outlines concrete commitments, including affirming that Jewish life in Germany must be "free and visible," strengthening protection for Jewish institutions, combating antisemitic structures online and offline, and enhancing the visibility of Jewish life in education and public culture.

Legislative and Policy Responses

The CDU has actively championed legislative measures aimed at countering antisemitism. A key proposal from the party seeks to deny naturalization to individuals who have committed antisemitic acts. Mathias Middelberg, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group's spokesperson on domestic policy, emphasized that anyone who publicly incites against Jews, questions Israel's existence, or burns the Israeli flag should not be allowed to become a German citizen. This stance underscores a broader governmental effort to strengthen legal frameworks. In 2020, a bill was approved to ensure that any antisemitic motive increases the penalty for hate crimes, and prevention programs like "Live Democracy!" have been supported to foster democracy and combat extremism.

Furthermore, the CDU has been a staunch opponent of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The party views the BDS movement as antisemitic, drawing parallels to the 1933 Nazi boycott of Jewish businesses. This position is reflected in parliamentary resolutions, with the Bundestag declaring in 2019 its "unique historical responsibility" to prioritize the fight against antisemitism and a commitment to Israel's security. A 2024 cross-party resolution, which included the CDU, solidified directives against funding organizations that spread antisemitism, question Israel's right to exist, or support the BDS movement.

Navigating Complexities and Criticisms

The aggressive posture against antisemitism in Germany, while rooted in a profound historical imperative, has not been without its complexities and criticisms. A significant debate revolves around the perceived conflation of antisemitism with legitimate criticism of the Israeli government's policies. Critics, including prominent Jewish-German intellectuals, argue that this approach can inadvertently stifle freedom of expression and lead to the deplatforming or even arrest of Jewish activists critical of Israel. Instances have been reported where Jewish speakers and activists have faced repercussions due to their critiques of Israeli policies, deemed by some as crossing the line into antisemitism under the broad application of definitions like the IHRA working definition.

The concept of "imported antisemitism," often used in discussions about antisemitism among Muslim communities, also garners controversy. While authorities acknowledge a significant increase in antisemitic incidents linked to "foreign ideology" and Islamist actors, some worry that this framing can be used to stigmatize immigrant communities and divert attention from homegrown antisemitism, particularly from the far-right. This delicate balance requires nuanced approaches that distinguish between genuine hatred and political dissent, while rigorously combating all forms of antisemitism.

A Nation Grappling with Its Past and Present

Germany's struggle with antisemitism is a multifaceted challenge, deeply intertwined with its past and heavily influenced by contemporary global events. The current surge in incidents, underscored by the fears expressed by Jewish communities, highlights the ongoing urgency of this fight. The CDU, alongside other political forces, is navigating a complex landscape, committed to upholding Germany's historical responsibility while seeking effective and balanced strategies.

The measures undertaken, from legislative tightening and dedicated commissioners to symbolic gestures of solidarity, reflect a national determination to protect Jewish life. However, the path forward requires continuous introspection and an open dialogue to ensure that the fight against antisemitism does not inadvertently compromise fundamental democratic principles, including freedom of speech. Germany's journey in confronting this enduring hatred remains a critical test of its commitment to its foundational values and its promise of "Never Again."