Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, has suggested that measures, including potential expulsion, should be considered for foreign perpetrators of antisemitic violence. Speaking to the “Welt am Sonntag” Schuster stated that if crimes endanger life or limb, it is justifiable to explore and, if necessary, implement such actions. He emphasized that the state must be capable of protecting its citizens, and he also advocated for stricter criminal penalties for Israeli-hostile offenses. He found it particularly sensible to strengthen legal action against the denial of Israel’s right to exist.
In his critique, Schuster expressed concern over what he views as an excessive leniency toward perpetrators. He noted that often, the understanding of the perpetrators’ perspective overshadows the needs of the victims. He argued that probationary sentences should not give the impression that one can exit a courtroom without facing real consequences.
When discussing the origins of antisemitism, Schuster was noncommittal regarding his 2015 warning that mass immigration of Syrian refugees could intensify anti-Jewish sentiment, concluding that the situation is more complex than he had assessed at the time. He observed that since October 7, 2023, antisemitism has emerged from various sources: the far-right spectrum, left-wing circles, and Islamist groups. He considers this combination of sources to be the truly concerning development, suggesting that immigration may have indirectly contributed by fueling additional resentment, particularly among those on the right, although he conceded that he could not have foreseen this development.
Schuster rejected assigning a hierarchy of threats, arguing that the severity of the threat does not depend on whether it originates from the right, the left, or Islamist circles. However, he asserted that right-wing antisemitism remains the most deeply rooted and historically ingrained form within German mainstream society, and therefore, its impact should not underestimated. He noted that the difficulty of the current situation stems precisely from the co-existence and interaction of these differing ideological currents.
Regarding Muslim communities, Schuster noted that many are under Turkish influence, particularly those managed by the Ditib. He warned that political agitation originating from Turkey infiltrates these communities, even influencing sermons with a tone that spreads antisemitic narratives. In response to questions about sufficient internal resistance within Muslim communities, he observed what he described as a conspicuous silence. He said that public statements are sometimes mere window dressing and that the issue rarely appears within the communities themselves. Despite this, he stressed that it would be inaccurate to generally attribute antisemitic attitudes to all Muslims. He demanded that Islamic associations proactively address antisemitism within their communities in all its facets, making it explicitly clear that it constitutes a form of human hatred, especially from individuals who themselves have experienced discrimination.
On the question of whether civil society was weakening, Schuster pointed to the political propaganda from pro-Palestine circles, calling it broadly organized and often more effective than the Israeli or Jewish perspectives. He highlighted a significant numerical imbalance: concerning the roughly 5.5 million Muslims, there are only about 125,000 Jews, an imbalance that also influences media reach.
Concerning the metaphor of the “packed suitcase” Schuster stated that it now represents a new kind of crisis. While it was previously symbolic, there are now real concerns-especially among the younger generation-about whether a Jewish life in Germany can permanently secure a future. He acknowledged that he already sees a visible withdrawal of Jewish life from the public sphere, with many communities shifting activities inward and under considerable protection. He stated that the prospect of Jewish institutions operating without police protection is something he does not foresee in the near future.
