Anti-Semitism scandal at Darmstadt's Christmas market: investigations underway!

Anti-Semitism scandal at Darmstadt's Christmas market: investigations underway!

A Christmas market of outrage: In Darmstadt, an “anti-colonialist peace Christmas market” organized by the Protestant St. Michael's congregation caused a real scandal! Under the guise of charity, anti-Semitic messages were spread here. As the Picture reported that “Jew-hater cookies” and “terror souvenirs” were for sale at the community’s stands, while maps without the State of Israel were for sale.

The Jewish community and the Evangelical Regional Church immediately went on the offensive and filed a complaint. The case is now on the table with the public prosecutor's office and the state security agency: three reports have been received regarding the use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations and incitement to hatred. But the investigation is still in its early stages and there are no suspects in sight yet. Daniel Neumann, chairman of the Jewish Community of Darmstadt, makes it clear: “The fact that a Protestant church community either naively accepts this or does it maliciously is a scandal.”

Indignant reactions and consequences

It's not just the broad-shouldered figures of the law who are alarmed. Volker Beck, President of the German-Israeli Society, also got involved. It highlights the problem of anti-Judaism in churches, especially at Christmas! The Protestant church itself is trying to limit the damage and has described the reports as “deeply disturbing”. Pastor Manfred Werner has remained silent so far, while a member of the church council speaks of “false reporting”.

The initial joy of the Peace Christmas Market is long gone. Posters brazenly relativized the Holocaust, which caused deep wounds and division. Despite everything, a member of the church council, Detlef Baumann-Schiechel, insisted on a differentiated presentation of the events.

The search for answers

Educational work is the top priority: How could such an incident happen? Who from the Michaelsgemeinde or the “Darmstadt4Palestine” group is responsible? Those too Picture reports on the blatant distribution of flyers that glorify terror and thus reduce the meaning of a Christmas market to absurdity.

An original information page about the market has now been taken offline. There is great excitement and discussions about anti-Semitism in religious communities have gained new fuel. It remains to be seen what legal action will be taken, but one thing is clear: the Darmstadt scandal is much more than just a local incident - it is a warning to society as a whole.