Controversy Over Antisemitism Allegations Complicates Berlin Coalition Talks

Berlin is grappling with intense political debate over allegations of antisemitism within the socialist Left Party (Die Linke), which secured a victory in the city-state election on September 20. The result positions the party’s leading candidate, Elif Eralp, as a strong contender to become Berlin’s next mayor, which would mark the first time a Left Party member holds the office. Preliminary coalition discussions with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Green Party are scheduled for October 1, yet the path to governance is obstructed by concerns regarding the party’s stance on Jewish safety.

Critical voices argue that the Left Party lacks credibility in combating antisemitism within its own ranks. Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, dismissed the party’s assurances as mere lip service. In a statement issued two days after the election, Schuster urged the SPD and Greens to refrain from forming a coalition with the election winner, asserting that antisemitism is tolerated and has gone unchecked within the party.

The controversy stems from incidents during the campaign and victory celebrations. Rapper Dahabflex sparked outrage by using slogans perceived as antisemitic at a Left Party event. Subsequently, Ibrahim Ibrahim, a supporter of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)—an organization designated as a terrorist group by the EU—appeared at the party’s victory celebration. While federal and state Left Party leadership have distanced themselves from these events, high-ranking officials remain skeptical.

Wolfram Weimer, the federal government commissioner for culture and media, accused the Left Party of openly flaunting antisemitism. He threatened to reassess a previously agreed-upon €2.9 billion funding package for Berlin’s cultural sector over the next decade. Meanwhile, Federal Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) released a video titled “Antisemitism and Expropriations Threaten the Economy,” linking the party’s ideology to economic fear among Jewish residents and criticizing their opposition to nationalizing private housing companies. The Left Party has sought an injunction to force the removal of the video, with co-chair Ines Schwerdtner calling it state-sponsored propaganda.

Conversely, 150 prominent Jewish figures, including author Eva Menasse and Susan Neiman, signed an open letter defending the Left Party. They argued that labeling the party a danger to Jews is a cynical political weaponization that conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism. The signatories identified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as the primary threat to Jewish life, describing it as an openly fascistic movement rising in power across Germany.

Elif Eralp emphasized her party’s role in bridging divides during a special party congress. She reiterated that her platform opposes violence and statements that intimidate Jewish communities, while also affirming the safety of Palestinian and Muslim residents. Outside the venue, approximately 20 Jewish demonstrators, including New York-born artist Scott Grabell, expressed solidarity with the party. Grabell highlighted the reality of the conflict in Gaza and the occupation in the West Bank, stating that their support aims to showcase the diversity of Jewish life in Germany and advocate for progressive policies.