As of November 6, the German Bundestag passed a new antisemitism resolution that blocks public funding for any organization deemed antisemitic. The law primarily targets groups that question Israel’s right to exist, support boycotts, or promote the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The ruling coalition, which includes the SPD, Greens, and FDP, alongside the CDU, introduced the law amid rising concerns over antisemitism.

Under the new policy, any organization supporting BDS or similar movements will lose eligibility for government funds. Schools and universities can also expel students found engaging in antisemitic behavior.Volker Beck, president of the German-Israeli Society, praised the resolution as a strong step to protect Jewish life in Germany. However, some critics argue the resolution could limit free expression and threaten artistic and academic spaces that depend on government funding. In response, a coalition of Jewish and non-Jewish academics has proposed an alternative law that advocates for a broader approach, emphasizing academic freedom and inclusivity. Over 4,400 supporters, including prominent organizations like Oxfam and Amnesty International, have signed a petition backing this alternative. Both of these stories are shaping Germany’s social landscape in significant ways, and it’ll be interesting to see how they impact communities across the country.