In an interview with t-online, CDU politician Thorsten Frei calls for unconditional support for Israel, condemns failed integration in Germany and warns against taking in refugees from Gaza.
Thorsten Frei leans forward a little. He turns the corners of his mouth downwards. Then he says: “This is completely unacceptable. A shame. The conditions we are currently experiencing on German roads are unbearable.” It’s about the pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which are regularly escalating these days.
Tens of thousands have taken to the streets since Hamas’ terrorist attack on October 7th. Countless anti-Israel demonstrators. Not so much in Donaueschingen in Baden-Württemberg, where the parliamentary director of the Union faction comes from. Even more so in big cities, in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt or Cologne.
Even at the traffic lights you are shocked. Scholz speaks of a “clear stance,” sides with Israel and emphasizes that there is no place for anti-Semitism in Germany. The constitutional state will take clear action in the event of violations of the law.
All of this is not enough. In the interview, he calls for solidarity with Israel “without ifs and buts”, suggests changing laws and warns against accepting refugees from the Gaza Strip.
t-online: Mr. Frei, the security of the state of Israel and its citizens is German reasons of state. What does this sentence mean to you?
Thorsten Frei: This sentence means that we stand unwaveringly with the State of Israel. It means that we must do everything we can to protect Jewish life in Germany and to ensure that Jews can live normally in our country.
Can and must solidarity towards Israel be unconditional, i.e. without red lines?
Of course, Israel has the right to do everything it can to protect itself against these terrorist attacks. The state has shown that it is dealing with the challenge responsibly but also consistently. We must fully support the Israelis, including morally.
Does that mean you think it is a mistake if Germany, if the Chancellor is reminding us of international law in this context these days?
It must be clear that we stand with Israel even in these difficult times. That’s why now is not the time to engage in finger-wagging politics. As a functioning democracy and constitutional state, Israel does not need any tutoring in international law. That’s self-evident. In view of the terrorist attack on October 7th, we must demonstrate our full solidarity towards Israel in the coming days and weeks, even though there may be less beautiful pictures from the region. Even then, it must be completely clear that we are Israel’s closest partners, without any ifs or buts.
Frei speaks of “failed integration”
What does it mean for Germany and German responsibility when Jewish stars are smeared on house facades?
This is completely unacceptable. A shame. The conditions we are currently experiencing on German roads are unbearable. We need consistent answers from the constitutional state. And if necessary, we have to tighten up the laws. This is the only way we can ensure that something like this is stopped in Germany. But it also requires a clear view of the problem.
Can you be more specific?
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has so far acted as if anti-Semitism was exclusively a right-wing extremist problem. We must acknowledge that there is also left-wing extremist anti-Semitism, such as that expressed in the BDS movement. In addition, we are now increasingly experiencing immigrant Islamist anti-Semitism. Therefore, in addition to the rules of criminal law and the right of assembly, the regulations of the right of residence must also be taken into account. It must not be the case that someone comes to Germany seeking protection and then tramples on essential values of our country. Anyone who shouts hate slogans against Jews or even throws incendiary devices at synagogues and Torah schools forfeits their right to hospitality.
“I can very well understand why Jews don’t feel safe in Germany these days. This is an unbearable situation for all of us.”
Thorsten Frei
Can Jews currently feel safe in Germany?
There is currently an increased abstract risk situation. The security authorities have already responded to this with stricter security measures. But: Security is a subjective feeling. I certainly cannot empathize one-to-one with the situation of those affected. But I can very well understand if Jews don’t feel safe in Germany these days. This is an unbearable situation for all of us. It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of all Jews in the country.
