Jewish leader calls for 'caution' as German criticism of Israel rises
The Central Council of Jews in Germany has called for "caution" amid mounting German criticism of the Israeli military's actions in Gaza.
"I call for caution in the debate: Politicians should avoid using anti-Semitic narratives that relativize hatred of Jews by referring to Israel's conduct of the war," Central Council President Josef Schuster told dpa on Tuesday.
Schuster said he did not oppose Chancellor Friedrich Merz's rare rebuke of the Israeli government on Monday, agreeing that "civilian casualties must be minimized as much as possible and humanitarian aid for the civilian population in Gaza is necessary."
But he warned that the fight against the Hamas "terrorist militia" is existential for Israel, and said that Jews in Germany must not be collectively made responsible for the Israeli military's actions.
"This exonerates all the Jew-haters who follow precisely this anti-Semitic logic," said Schuster. "The result is a normalization of Israel-related anti-Semitism, which worries the Jewish community in Germany."
"In this fight, Germany must stand unwaveringly by Israel's side," he added.
Schuster said Hamas bears responsibility for the suffering in Gaza, and could end it by releasing the hostages and laying down its weapons.
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