Israel's ambassador to Germany on the Shoah, Hamas and antisemitism | DW News

Summary of Interview with Israeli Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor

Key Concepts:

• Shoah (Holocaust): The genocide of European Jews during World War II.
• Anti-Semitism: Hostility to or prejudice against Jews.
• Hamas: A Palestinian Sunni-Islamist fundamentalist organization.
• Delegitimization: The act of discrediting or denying the legitimacy of something.
• Kippah: A skullcap worn by Jewish men.
• Caliphate: An Islamic state led by a supreme religious and political leader known as a caliph.
• Sharia Law: Islamic religious law.

1. The Connection Between Yom HaShoah and October 7th:

• The ambassador emphasizes the importance of learning from the Shoah, particularly the danger of indifference.
• He notes that anti-Semitic incidents are occurring frequently in Germany (every two hours), and a significant portion of the population (14%) is unaware of the Shoah.
• October 7th is described as a "seismic event" for Israel and the world, highlighting the need to take the ideology of Hamas seriously.
• He avoids direct historical comparisons to the Holocaust but stresses the importance of fighting the deadly ideology of Hamas.
• He warns that this ideology, which seeks to destroy Jewish values, is also present in Germany, manifesting in violence and calls for a caliphate and Sharia law.

2. The Rise of Anti-Semitism in Germany:

• Anti-Semitism exists on the right, among Muslims, and on the left.
• Anti-Semitism on the right is being addressed through the judicial and political systems.
• A significant problem lies in anti-Semitism on the left, particularly in cultural and academic spheres, where Israel and Jews are demonized and delegitimized.
• Examples include boycotts and the silence of the music and cultural scene in Germany regarding the Nova festival attack.

3. Expectations for the New German Government:

• The current government has made efforts to combat anti-Semitism, but the new government faces a significant challenge due to its rise.
• The new government must actively pursue those who use violence and cross the line.
• The ambassador emphasizes the unacceptability of Jews in Germany being afraid to wear Jewish clothing, speak Hebrew, or study at universities without fear.
• He stresses that the safety and security of German Jewish citizens is the responsibility of Germany and its government.

4. Allegations of Israeli War Crimes:

• The ambassador finds it "amazing" that Israel is accused of war crimes when it is defending itself after the atrocities of October 7th.
• He recounts the horrific acts committed by Hamas, including burning people alive, beheading babies, and raping women.
• He asserts that Hamas is responsible for the situation, as their state policy is to eradicate the Jewish state and every living Jew.
• He argues that dismantling Hamas's military infrastructure is essential for future peace and security.
• He emphasizes the need to fight for the values of a democratic Jewish state and not take its existence for granted.

5. Notable Quotes:

• "What we can learn from this [Shoah] is not to be indifferent."
• "The 7th of October was a sizz for Israel and I think for the world."
• "...we have this time round to make sure that we fight this ideology which will bring us all down."
• "If you don't fight it today, you will cry tomorrow."
• "The ones that are responsible for what is happening is Kamas."
• "Every day we have to make sure that we fight to cherish the values of a democratic Jewish state."

6. Technical Terms and Concepts:

• Yom HaShoah: Holocaust Remembrance Day.
• Delegitimization: The act of discrediting or denying the legitimacy of something, often used in the context of criticizing Israel's right to exist.

7. Logical Connections:

• The interview connects the lessons of the Shoah to the current threat posed by Hamas and rising anti-Semitism.
• It links anti-Semitism in Germany to various sources, including the right, Muslim communities, and the left, highlighting the complexity of the issue.
• It connects the need to combat anti-Semitism with the responsibility of the German government to protect its Jewish citizens.
• It connects the defense of Israel with the need to dismantle Hamas's military infrastructure to ensure future peace.

8. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The interview underscores the enduring relevance of the Shoah's lessons in the face of contemporary threats to Jewish people and the State of Israel. It highlights the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in Germany from various sources and calls for decisive action from the German government to protect its Jewish citizens. The ambassador defends Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas, emphasizing the organization's genocidal ideology and the need to dismantle its military capabilities. The core message is a call to vigilance and action against all forms of anti-Semitism and a reaffirmation of the importance of cherishing the values of a democratic Jewish state.