Rising Anti-Semitic Violence Threatens Jewish Safety in Germany

Antisemitism is resurging in Germany and across Europe, with Jews facing violence and hostility in public spaces, often amid heightened tensions linked to political and social issues such as immigration and Israel's policies. This rise in antisemitism contrasts with previous decades when Holocaust memory and the commitment to "Never Again" made such hatred taboo, though contemporary political dynamics, including criticism of Israel and migration policies, complicate this legacy. Holocaust memory remains a foundational moral and historical benchmark in Western identity, but its significance is challenged amid ongoing conflicts and accusations against Israel, raising difficult questions about the use and meaning of this memory today. Scholarly efforts continue to explore the complex intersections of history, religion, and ethics regarding the Holocaust, including debates over controversial figures such as Pope Pius XII and the role of various religious communities. Antisemitism's irrational, conspiratorial nature is acknowledged as difficult to explain fully, with some experts highlighting its persistence as a form of delusional belief similar to other conspiracy theories. These perspectives underscore the urgent need for education and dialogue to address antisemitism’s current manifestations and to understand its deep-rooted, paradoxical nature in contemporary society.