Germany’s Commissioner for Anti-Semitism, Felix Klein, has ignited a fierce debate within the political landscape with his call for the consistent deportation of individuals engaging in antisemitic acts who do not possess German citizenship. In an interview with “Welt am Sonntag” Klein argued that German immigration law already permits the deportation of those whose actions betray antisemitic motivations and that this provision should be utilized more rigorously.
Klein emphasized that his proposal is not intended to enable arbitrary action, but rather represents a hallmark of a functioning state governed by law. He posited that individuals residing in Germany who demonstrably disregard, or even actively oppose, the fundamental values of German society – including the unconditional respect for Jewish life – effectively place themselves outside of the societal consensus, thereby forfeiting their right to remain.
The commissioner stressed the critical importance of due process, clarifying that deportation must be predicated on a legally binding conviction. Mere police investigation or initial suspicion are insufficient grounds for action. A court finding that an individual’s actions were motivated by antisemitism – be it through violence against Jewish people, attacks on synagogues, or hate speech – should trigger a deportation order.
Beyond deportation, Klein also advocated for a stringent review of stripping German citizenship from dual nationals convicted of serious crimes motivated by antisemitism. While acknowledging the gravity of such actions, he argued that those who intentionally misrepresented themselves during the naturalization process or have demonstrated a clear antagonism toward the principles enshrined in the Basic Law have forfeited the privileges of German citizenship.
Adding a layer of complexity to the discussion, Klein voiced concern regarding the escalating intensity of antisemitism linked to Islamist ideologies. He stated that many Jewish individuals in Germany have reported experiencing the most immediate threat from perpetrators of Arabic origin and within Islamist circles. This assertion has been met with both support and criticism, with some observers cautioning against potentially fueling harmful generalizations within the Muslim community. The debate underscores the increasingly urgent need for Germany to grapple with the multifaceted nature of contemporary antisemitism and to implement robust measures to safeguard Jewish life while upholding the principles of due process and legal certainty.
