“Germany’s approach is so broad that it encompasses people and organizations whose criticism has no antisemitic intent…As a result, Germany has cracked down on legitimate criticism of the actions of the Israeli government, including on Jews and Israelis, academics, civil society and artists, who face restrictions on their rights to expression and protest, alongside funding cuts and bans on organizations.”
The non-binding motion titled "Never Again is Now: Protecting, Preserving, and Strengthening Jewish Life in Germany" was approved by votes in parliament, with support from the co-ruling Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens, as well as opposition parties such as the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the liberal Free Democrats, and Alternative for Germany (AfD).
“The resolution calls for funding cuts and bans for organizations, including in the arts, where projects question Israel’s right to exist, call for boycotts against Israel or support the BDS movement, among other things;” Human Rights Watch added.
HRW added that there are major concerns in Germany about the resolution, including from civil society, academics, Jewish artists and intellectuals, and lawyers. “There are fears it will open up new avenues for abusive enforcement, further chill free expression, peaceful assembly, and free association, and risk stigmatizing migrant communities.”