The Israeli Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, has publicly urged Berlin to adopt stricter measures targeting left-wing antisemitism, arguing that current legal frameworks are failing to address the issue adequately. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post”, Ambassador Prosor drew a sharp distinction between how Germany confronts far-right extremism and the apparent leniency afforded to those disseminating antisemitic narratives from the left.
“There’s a clear understanding of how to proceed against fascists, given their overt racism and existing legislation” Prosor stated. “However, individuals from the extreme left who legitimize and subtly propagate the ideology of Hamas must be held accountable”. He lamented the state’s current inability to effectively address this phenomenon, alleging that extremist elements are exploiting freedom of expression to incite hatred and animosity.
Prosor specifically called for the ability to expel students engaging in antisemitic behavior and threatening their peers, framing such actions as a betrayal of the principles of academic freedom. He voiced concern that the current protections afforded to speech are being weaponized to foster a hostile environment for Jewish students and, more broadly, for Israel.
The ambassador highlighted what he describes as a pervasive problem within Germany’s cultural and academic spheres, noting a pattern of discrimination against Israeli artists and filmmakers. “I know many Israeli filmmakers and artists who ‘coincidentally’ find themselves uninvited or forced to conceal their identity and disavow Israel to be accepted” he explained, implying a self-censorship born of institutional pressure and fear of reprisal.
Prosor’s remarks represent a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions, placing renewed pressure on the German government to confront the complexities of left-wing antisemitism and reassess the boundaries of permissible expression in the context of growing concerns about rising antisemitism across the country. The call for universities to actively sanction antisemitic speech raises critical questions about the balance between freedom of expression and institutional responsibility in safeguarding a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.
