Muslims in Germany Feel Intimidated Due to Media, Politicians’ Rhetoric
Germany's Central Council of Muslims warned Tuesday against the false accusations of antisemitism against those who criticize Israel’s military campaign against the Gaza Strip.
“Many Muslims in our country are uneasy, they’re afraid to speak out at all, and feel intimidated by the debate,” Central Council of Muslims Chairman Aiman Mazyek told public radio RBB.
He said politicians and media outlets that accuse Muslim organizations of antisemitism, or supporting Hamas, are mistaken.
Mazyek underlined that Muslims have condemned attacks that targeted civilians, but also demanded an end to the military campaign by Israel.
In the end, the escalation of violence only helps extremists and pushes a peace solution in the Middle East into the distant future, said Mazyek.
He criticized German media reports that labeled pro-Palestinian demonstrations as “Hamas rallies” and accused protestors of “anti-Semitism” or incitement to hatred.
People who have lost loved ones in Gaza should be allowed to express their feelings, said Mazyek.
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Palestinian groups organized dozens of rallies in recent weeks to demand a humanitarian cease-fire and condemned Israeli military strikes on Gaza.
The vast majority of demonstrations were peaceful, but some politicians demanded a ban on such protests.
Critics say rhetoric used by politicians is placing all pro-Palestinian protesters under general suspicion of anti-Semitism, while they are increasingly being stigmatized and subjected to racism.
Source: Anadolu Agency
