Rabbi Menachem Margolin, the head of the Brussels-based group European Jewish Association has today called on German Government to actively intervene in the rise of far-right Alternative for Germany party (AFD).

The Rabbi says the party represents a clear threat to European Jewish communities, freedom of religion and social peace.

The AFD recently won seats in three legislatures and clearly stated their position regarding Judaism ritual practices stating they intend to ban shechita and bris milah.

Rabbi Margolin who has written to Chancellor Angela Merkel and the President of the Bundestag, Professor Norbert Lammert, called the AFD “a red flag for the Jewish community” adding that the future of the European Jewry would be in danger if the AFD got into power

In a statement Rabbi Margolin said, “The rise of such a party reminds us of the dark days of the rise of the National Socialist party in the 1930’s and sends shivers down the spine of Jews across Europe, but especially in Germany. History has taught us that it is entirely possible to manipulate people to vote for an anti-Semitic government and how it can consequently lead to a tragedy.

“The AFD and the views they espouse fly in the face of the solidarity, sharing, and social well-being that Jews largely enjoy across the rest of the political spectrum. They represent a red flag to the Jewish Community.

“It is of upmost importance that the German government recognizes that anti-Semitic parties should be illegal, in order to avoid a catastrophe.

“The AFD’s far right rhetoric is not only anti-democratic, it seeks to bring communities against each other and potentially leading to violence and fear amongst people. It must be stamped out.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)