Entering Gideon Jaffe's office is not an easy task. Above the historic building in the heart of Berlin, the golden dome of the New Synagogue, built in the 19th century, is visible. At the entrance, police officers ask you who you are and where you are going. After the first security door, your bag passes through a scanner, and then there are more doors, all of which are thicker.
This caution is not without reason. Following the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas and the onset of war in Gaza, antisemitism has risen across the Western world. Berlin, where senior Nazi officials gathered in 1942 to coordinate the murder of Jews in Europe, is no exception.
Concerns in the Jewish Community of Berlin
Gideon Jaffe, 54, who heads the Jewish community in Berlin, has become accustomed to living under protection. He says that security for Jews across Europe has been a reality for decades, but the current situation has rarely been this bad.
The recent election results in Berlin, where the Left Party achieved first place with 26% of the votes, have raised significant concerns within the Jewish community. This party, which is the successor to the East German Communist Party, has recorded its most successful performance in its history in this election. Meanwhile, the Left Party is recognized as a radical base for antisemitism.
Elif Aralap and Promises to Combat Antisemitism
Elif Aralap, the main candidate of the Left Party in the Berlin elections, is the face of these developments. She has promised to strengthen Jewish life in Berlin and combat antisemitism. Aralap, a 45-year-old lawyer and daughter of Turkish socialists who immigrated to Germany in 1980, is recognized as the new star of Germany's hard-left.
At a party conference after the election, she emphasized the necessity of creating a binding agreement to condemn antisemitism and affirm the right to exist for Israel. Aralap has also faced criticism for her positions regarding the war in Gaza and her support for Palestinians.
The Left Party's rallies with the slogan "Elif for Berlin" and her reception in the media reflect the support of youth and Muslim voters for her. She has plans to establish local cafes with meals starting at 3 euros and to increase public oversight over more than 200,000 housing units in Berlin.
