Religion Monitor: War in the Middle East divides Germany

Study - Religion Monitor: War in the Middle East divides Germany

According to experts, the war in the Middle East has led to an alarming rise in anti-Semitic incidents and, at the same time, an increase in anti-Muslim hostility in Germany. The terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel and the Israeli counter-offensive since October 7 have also had a clear impact here in Germany and revealed rifts in society, according to the presentation of some of the results of the Bertelsmann Stiftung's "Religion Monitor 2023".

The study, for which more than 4,300 people aged 16 and over across Germany were surveyed in 2022, revealed widespread prejudices and stereotypes that are now being fueled by the escalating Middle East conflict.

Anti-Semitic attitudes are not only widespread on the fringes, but also in the middle of society and among Muslims, said Yasemin El-Menouar, a religion expert at the Bertelsmann Stiftung. And: "Anti-Semitism is currently expressed above all in relation to Israel." A "disinhibition of reservations and prejudices" is particularly worrying.

In the study, 21% of respondents agreed with the anti-Semitic statement "Jews have too much influence in Germany". At 40 percent, the figure was particularly high among AfD supporters, but was also roughly around 20 percent among respondents who leaned towards the CDU/CSU, SPD, FDP or the Left.

Jews no longer feel safe in Germany

Increasingly open anti-Semitism can be seen on the Internet, but also on German streets when the actions of Hamas are celebrated at demonstrations - as in Berlin or Essen. There are physical attacks on Jews and Jewish institutions, and many no longer feel safe in Germany, complained Stephan Vopel from the foundation. On the other hand, quite a few of the population complained that "the spaces have become narrower" if they wanted to peacefully support suffering Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

El-Menouar warned that anti-Semitic attitudes were often not the result of conscious hostility, but of unreflected prejudices. However, these attitudes are used by extremists and populists to divide society. There are also anti-Semitic attitudes in the Muslim communities that need to be clearly identified. Where the Muslims come from plays a role - whether they come from countries in the Middle East or Turkey, for example, where "anti-Semitism is sometimes used to make policy", said the sociologist. And: "The longer people live in Germany, the fewer anti-Semitic reservations they have."

Reservations about Islam

At the same time, the "Religion Monitor" revealed that 52% of respondents consider Islam to be a threat. Many associate Islam with political Islamism; some believe that Islam incites violence, El-Menouar explained. This negative image has become entrenched over the last ten years or so. However, the study found significantly fewer reservations among younger people than among older people - probably also because contact with Muslims is more commonplace for younger people, which reduces prejudices.

Muslims are increasingly exposed to discrimination, hostility and exclusion, the foundation criticized. It is "almost a general suspicion" against Muslims, explained Vopel. The climate towards refugees and migrants in general is also becoming harsher - fueled by right-wing forces. All of this weakens social cohesion.

In order to counteract hatred, anti-Semitism, hostility towards Muslims and all kinds of misanthropic attitudes, more objectification, education and encounters between groups in the diverse immigration society are needed. There should also be a greater focus on the many successful Jewish-Muslim community projects and initiatives.