Study: German Antisemitism Out of Control

A new survey reveals that many Germans still harbor strong antisemitic sentiments despite furious attempts by their government to portray a national image of guilt over the Holocaust.

According to the study, which was carried out by a team of experts appointed by the German parliament, hatred for Jews is not just expressed by the far right or Islamist elements of society. Rather, "it is deeply rooted in the German mainstream."

At a very young age, German schoolchildren are already using the word "Jew" as an insult, the report found, and "Jew" is commonly heard as a curse word in the playground. In local soccer leagues throughout Germany, antisemitic jeers aimed at Jewish teams are common, including "Jews to the gas," "Bring back Auschwitz" and "Burn the synagogues."

"Antisemitism in our society is based on widespread prejudices, cliches with deep roots and pure ignorance about everything to do with Jews and Judaism," wrote Dr. Peter Longerich, one of the report's authors.

Worse yet, the study concludes that Germany is unequipped (or unwilling) to do anything about the problem.

"There is no comprehensive strategy for fighting antisemitism in Germany," wrote another author.

Commissioned by the Bundestag in 2008 on the 70th anniversary of the Nazis' Kristallnacht pogrom, the study was published this week ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27.

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