Article by Monty Ott

In a nation still reckoning with the shadows of its past, Germany’s response to antisemitism today is layered with complexity and urgency. Recent measures, from appointing antisemitism commissioners to intensifying security for Jewish communities, aim to confront a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents—yet they also expose the delicate tension between genuine protection and political maneuvering. Part two of Monty Ott’s report, presented in partnership with DILCRAH, dives into Germany’s fraught battle against antisemitism, revealing not only the strides taken but also the ethical and societal questions that linger unanswered.

Continuing our investigation, in partnership with DILCRAH, into the state of antisemitism across Europe, this week Monty Ott examines Germany’s ongoing battle against antisemitism, blending historical context with urgent contemporary issues. Using Adorno’s philosophy as a framework, Ott explores the role of state power in countering rising antisemitic violence, especially in the wake of Hamas’ October 2023 attacks. He tackles the complexities of this fight, from political controversies to social resistance, raising critical questions about Germany’s responsibility. It begs the question – can state action, civil society, or a combination of both truly confront the deep-rooted issue of antisemitism?