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Flags and graffiti: Anti-Semitism is growing in Schleswig-Holstein!
On October 8, 2025, Schleswig-Holstein commemorates the Hamas attack on Israel. Unknown people defile the state house with slogans.
Flags and graffiti: Anti-Semitism is growing in Schleswig-Holstein!
October 8, 2025 marks the second anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel, and in Schleswig-Holstein the day is celebrated with an impressive sign of remembrance: the flag with the Star of David flies at the state parliament in Kiel. But the day is overshadowed by a despicable incident that once again illustrates the current anti-Semitic mood in Germany. On Tuesday night, unknown people sprayed 15 political slogans on the facade of the state house, including the statements “Free Gaza” and “From the River to the Sea”. The security service discovered this act of property damage shortly after midnight.
The President of the State Parliament, Kristina Herbst (CDU) and the Commissioner for Jewish Life and Against Anti-Semitism condemned the graffiti in clear words. They emphasized the importance of democratic dialogue and the need to decisively counter anti-Semitism. Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) also made it clear that it is an essential obligation to protect and promote Jewish life in Germany. Interior Minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack (CDU) also confirmed this position and made it clear that the state defends Jewish life without restrictions.
A rise in anti-Semitism
The incident in Kiel is not isolated. According to reports from Federal Association of Anti-Semitism Research and Information Centers (RIAS) Anti-Semitic incidents in Germany increased sharply after the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023. Over 2,225 anti-Semitic events were documented in just one year. This is an alarming sign of an “oppressive normality” of anti-Semitism that has taken hold in society.
Israel-related anti-Semitism is particularly worrying: 89 percent of the recorded incidents involved pro-Palestinian statements, some of which included calls for the destruction of Israel. Anti-Semitic acts are not just limited to large cities; they also directly affect the Jewish communities in Schleswig-Holstein. Walter Blender, the first chairman of the Bad Segeberg Jewish Community, commented: “The events of the last few years are making our everyday lives more uncertain and putting a strain on our way of life.”
Remembering tragic events
On October 7, 2023, the day of the original raid, over 1,200 people were killed, countless injured, and scores taken hostage. These tragedies have had a devastating impact not only on the people of Israel, but also on Jewish communities worldwide. However, on this day of remembrance, society's collective responsibility to take a stand against intolerance and hatred becomes visible.
The incident in Kiel and the general increase in anti-Semitic incidents call on us to work together against such machinations. A strong sign of solidarity and respect for Jewish life is more necessary today than ever.