German intellectual group warns of negative impacts of new antisemitism bill in parliament

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) – A group of German intellectuals warned on Wednesday that a planned antisemitism resolution in parliament later this week would have a significant impact on the country's academic freedom.

When it comes to the resolution titled “Never Again is Now: Protecting, Preserving and Strengthening Jewish Life in Germany,” they also want to protect Jewish life in its diversity in Germany, "we just believe that the means are wrong," said the rector of Berlin’s Wissenschaftskolleg, Barbara Stollberg-Rilinger at a press briefing in Berlin, attended by other legal experts and other academicians.

The main problem is "that academic freedom would be massively threatened," she added.

The final draft of the bill was recently agreed upon by the ruling coalition, which includes the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Green Party, and liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP), as well as the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

The resolution, which critics argue will effectively stifle any criticism of Israel, is scheduled to be introduced to parliament later this week, with a vote on its ratification.

Stollberg-Rilinger pointed out that antisemitism is at times being instrumentalized to silence critics of Israel.

"The accusation of antisemitism is used as a political instrument to silence certain positions," she said, adding that the resolution's usefulness is “limited.”

Stollberg-Rilinger’s remarks were echoed by Matthias Goldmann, who is a professor at ESB University in Wiesbaden.

"This resolution raises concerns," Goldmann said, echoing the sentiments of many of his colleagues.

It primarily affects freedom of expression, science, and artistic freedom, Goldmann said, pointing out that state funds could be withheld for artistic and scientific events that are deemed antisemitic.

The non-binding resolution emphasizes that antisemitism has no place, urging that organizations or projects that spread antisemitism, question Israel's right to exist, call for a boycott of Israel, or actively support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement not be funded.

It also proposes adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism.

The federal government is urged to assist states in enforcing disciplinary actions against students who commit antisemitic offenses, such as suspension or expulsion from schools and universities.

The resolution also calls for a review of university regulations to support this effort.

Additionally, it calls for the investigation and potential ban of other organizations and associations alongside the prohibition on Hamas activities.

The resolution also seeks to close legal loopholes related to antisemitism within Germany's criminal law, residency, asylum, and citizenship legislation.

Affirming Israel’s right to self-defense under international law against attacks that violate international law, the resolution calls on the government to actively uphold Israel’s existence and legitimate security interests as a core principle of Germany’s foreign and security policy. It also urges intensified efforts toward a negotiated two-state solution.