Germany Unites Against Rising Antisemitism and Anti-Democratic Forces on Pogromnacht Anniversary

On November 9, 2025, marking the 85th anniversary of the Pogromnacht, Germany saw urgent calls from prominent leaders to combat the alarming rise of antisemitism and anti-democratic forces within the country. Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivered a stark warning about the threats facing German democracy, particularly citing the surge in right-wing extremism and a disturbing increase in antisemitism since the recent Hamas attacks on Israel. In a poignant address, Steinmeier underscored that democracy is under the gravest threat from both external aggression and internal extremist movements, emphasizing that all political parties—even those on the left—must actively resist these forces. He stressed the importance of maintaining clear political boundaries between mainstream parties and groups like the Alternative for Germany (AfD), advocating for the AfD's potential ban as a legitimate defense of democratic values. Moreover, Steinmeier called for stronger regulation of social media platforms, highlighting that the future of democracy will be contested online. Parallel to this, Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, rejected passive remembrance slogans, urging instead a "new uprising of decent people" to proactively oppose antisemitism and foster societal tolerance. His appeal was symbolized through the projection of "Never again" onto the Brandenburg Gate, reinforcing the imperative of action rather than mere remembrance. Additionally, German MP Bünger added to the discourse by highlighting the pervasiveness of antisemitic attitudes in society, calling for heightened awareness and decisive political and social measures to counteract these sentiments effectively. These voices collectively paint a sobering picture of current challenges but also unite in a call for civic engagement, solidarity with Jewish communities, and the defense of democratic principles amid a difficult crossroads for Germany.