After sharp criticism: Left party rejects reproaches from Israeli ambassador

The Berlin Left Party has rejected the sharp criticism from Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor. Kerstin Wolter, the state party chairwoman of the Berlin Left, stated to the German Press Agency that she is rejecting the accusation of "completely unbridled and systematic anti-Semitism" in their party, "with all due courtesy and clarity."

Wolter emphasized that "the existence of Israel and the protection of Jewish life are clear decisions of the Left," and they will continue to defend these principles. She also affirmed that the Left stands side by side with Jewish life, Muslim, and Palestinian life in Berlin. Wolter acknowledged that it is right for the Left to criticize the current Israeli government policy, as it is part of democracy, but she stressed that it is unfair to label such criticism as anti-Semitism.

Additionally, they firmly reject any form of glorifying terrorism and inciting violence. The Left Party firmly advocates for a Berlin free from anti-Semitism, racism, and any form of violence. Prosor believes that the Left faces "an immediate existential threat" to the Jewish community in Berlin following the party's electoral victory.

He expressed concern that the strong performance of the Left at the Berlin elections should trouble anyone who cares about preserving Jewish life in the city. Prosor accused the Left of harboring "completely unbridled anti-Semitism," which he claims has gained a new political dimension with the party's rise to power. For the Jewish community in Berlin, this shift from a theoretical threat to an immediate existential threat poses a concrete challenge.

The Berlin Left, or at least parts of it, has frequently faced criticism due to its positions on the Middle East conflict and anti-Semitism.