Campaign against the Left Party: Not an inch from anti-Semitism!

There is no doubt about it. What is currently happening in Berlin is a campaign against the Left Party. Arguments that are partly baseless and partly transparent are being fired against a possible red-green-red government. The very large coalition of losers made up of the CDU, SPD and parts of the Greens is trying to prevent election winner Elif Eralp from entering the Red City Hall - by all means possible. Because it's so beautifully simple, she also brands the left as anti-Semitic. And the Left Party is rolling out the red carpet for this campaign.

There is no doubt - this must also be made clear: the Left Party is not anti-Semitic, at least no more than others, perhaps even less. But it's no use pointing fingers at others if you're not entirely clear yourself. Admittedly, this is not easy given all the debates about the Middle East. There's a lot of confusion going on there. On the one hand, the justifiably harsh criticism of the Israeli government is falsely denounced as anti-Semitism. On the other hand, anti-Semitism is excused as alleged criticism of Israel - which is not possible. Because the same applies to anti-Semitism: not an inch!

But anyone who lets rappers rave about the Intifada and the death of the Israeli army on the party stage should not be surprised if others see more than a foot of anti-Semitism here. “It wasn’t meant that way” doesn’t help, even if it’s true. And it certainly doesn't help when Bundestag member Ferat Koçak has to admit to contact with violent types. It has nothing to do with anti-Semitism, but it's hard to sell.

The taz is an independent, left-wing and opinionated daily newspaper. We have been arguing in our comments, essays and debate texts since the taz was founded in 1979. We often cannot and do not want to agree on an opinion. That's why you'll find some completely opposing positions here - all part of the very broad left-wing spectrum of opinions.

A discussion within the party was long overdue. Distancing Elif Eralp is a step in the right direction, but it will hardly be enough. A left-wing firewall against anti-Semitism is needed. And personal consequences, as long as there is even the slightest doubt as to which side of this wall someone is on.

It's about humanism. About the fact that no one has to fear for their well-being in the city because of their origins or beliefs. And much more. Because if the elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have something in common, it is that the majority of voters actually want one thing: change. You will no longer find them in the middle, which is balanced beyond recognition. The alternative is therefore precisely: left-wing politics or fascism. Above all, the Left Party itself must not screw this up now.