In recent years, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has sought to rebrand itself as a defender of Jewish interests, particularly in the context of rising Muslim migration. This narrative, echoed by Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France, has sparked debate about whether far-right parties are genuinely attracting Jewish voters or simply leveraging fears of antisemitism and immigration for political gain. But are these claims credible? And what does this mean for Germany, a country still grappling with its Nazi past?
The AfD’s Claims: A New Defender of Jewish Interests?
The AfD has positioned itself as a party that prioritizes the safety and interests of Jewish communities in Germany. Alice Weidel, the party’s leader, recently claimed that the AfD has attracted Jewish members in the “four-digit range.” This assertion, if true, would mark a significant shift in a country where the far right has historically been associated with antisemitism and xenophobia. The AfD argues that the real threat to Jews comes not from the far right but from rising Muslim migration, which it claims has led to an increase in antisemitic incidents.
Beatrix von Storch, the AfD’s deputy leader, has even stated that the party aims to become the strongest political force among Jewish voters in Germany, following the example of France’s National Rally. However, these claims are met with skepticism, particularly from Germany’s main Jewish organizations and within the AfD itself.
The Reality: A Small and Skeptical Jewish Following
Despite the AfD’s bold claims, the actual number of Jewish members and supporters within the party remains minimal. Artur Abramovych, head of the AfD’s Jewish wing, “Jews in the AfD,” dismissed Weidel’s assertion, stating that it is “mathematically impossible” for the party to have attracted thousands of Jewish members. His group reportedly has only 22 full members, a tiny fraction of Germany’s estimated 125,000-strong Jewish community.
This skepticism is rooted in the AfD’s history of controversial statements and actions. For instance, Alexander Gauland, a former AfD leader, once downplayed the Nazi era as “mere bird shit” in Germany’s thousand-year history. Another former AfD member referred to Jews as the “domestic enemy” and dismissed the Holocaust. Such remarks have understandably made many Jews wary of the party’s supposed transformation.
Why the Far Right Focuses on Muslim Migration
The AfD and similar far-right parties in Europe have framed Muslim migration as a primary threat to Jewish communities. They argue that the influx of migrants from predominantly Muslim countries has led to a rise in antisemitic incidents, particularly in urban areas. While it is true that some antisemitic acts in Europe have been perpetrated by individuals of Muslim background, this narrative oversimplifies a complex issue.
Critics argue that the far right’s focus on Muslim migration is a strategic move to divert attention from its own history of antisemitism and xenophobia. By positioning themselves as protectors of Jewish communities, these parties aim to legitimize their broader anti-immigration agenda and appeal to a wider electorate.
The Broader Context: A Divided Jewish Community
The debate over the AfD’s appeal to Jewish voters reflects broader divisions within Jewish communities in Europe. While some Jews may be drawn to the far right’s emphasis on security and cultural preservation, others view such parties as inherently incompatible with Jewish values and history. Germany’s Central Council of Jews, for example, has consistently rejected the AfD’s overtures, emphasizing the party’s far-right ideology and its leaders’ troubling statements.
Conclusion: A Political Strategy, Not a Genuine Shift
The AfD’s claims of attracting Jewish voters appear to be more of a political strategy than a reflection of reality. While the party has sought to capitalize on fears of antisemitism and immigration, its history of controversial rhetoric and minimal Jewish support suggest that its rebranding has not been widely accepted. For many Jews in Germany, the far right’s past and present actions remain a significant barrier to trust and support.
In a country with Germany’s history, the idea of a far-right party becoming a haven for Jewish voters is indeed remarkable—but it is also highly unlikely. The AfD’s narrative may resonate with some, but for now, it seems that Germany’s Jewish community remains largely unconvinced.