Left Party Divided by Palestine, Antisemitism Debate

A motion at the Berlin Left Party state conference in October 2024 sparked intense debates and protests, with prominent members like Klaus Lederer resigning over accusations of inadequate opposition to antisemitism. The start of the Gaza war in October 2023 reignited these internal disputes.

The Left Party's involvement in organizing the 'Together for Gaza' demonstration in Berlin on September 27, 2023, under the 'All Eyes on Gaza' banner, highlighted its stance on Palestine solidarity. This event was a joint effort by around 50 organizations, including Palestinian activists, NGOs like Amnesty and medico, and the Left Party itself.

The party's adoption of the 'Jerusalem Declaration' as an alternative to the IHRA definition of antisemitism further fueled accusations of antisemitism. The dispute over Palestine and antisemitism has long divided the German left, with differing views among solidarity groups within the Left Party and growing external pressure.

In December 2024, Palestinian activist Ramsis Kilani was expelled from the party for damaging it and glorifying Hamas. Earlier, a solidarity festival in Berlin-Neukölln for the people in Gaza in August 2024 had drawn criticism due to the participation of a group suspected of ties to Hamas.

The Left Party's handling of the Palestine and antisemitism debate has led to internal strife, with members resigning and differing views among solidarity groups. The party leadership has attempted to find compromises, such as the one passed at the federal party conference in October 2024, expressing solidarity with victims on both sides. However, these issues continue to divide the party and the broader left in Germany.