German Bundestag passes motion defining BDS movement as antisemitic

The nonbinding motion calls on the German parliament to “decisively resist” the BDS campaign, and urges both the national and local governments to withhold any support or funding for events, organisations and projects created by the BDS movement.

Bijan Djir-Sarai of the Free Democratic Party, one of the key members of the Bundestag behind the motion, told Bild that the issue was supported by almost the entire Parliament.

“Israel’s right to exist is of central importance to German politics,” he said.

Eva Högl of the SPD told Der Tagesspiegel that “for years, the BDS movement has been calling for a boycott of Israel in Germany and around the world, using antisemitic methods.

“Antisemitism must have no place in Germany.”

A number of Israeli politicians commended the Bundestag for passing the motion, including Yair Lapid of the Blue and White coalition and Gilad Erdan, Israel’s Minister of Public Security and Strategic Affairs.

Mr Erdan described it as “a historic day in the fight against the antisemitic BDS campaign.”

He called on “all European parliaments to swiftly adopt similar legislation.”

Mr Lapid called the Bundestag’s decision “important and just” and describing BDS as “the modern manifestation of an ancient hatred.

“Now is the time for the rest of Europe to follow Germany’s lead.”