Jewish community slams CDU's Schulze over Hallervorden campaign appearance

CDU top candidate Sven Schulze relies on cabaret artist Dieter Hallervorden in the state election campaign, whose critical statements about Chancellor Merz and Defense Minister Pistorius are causing discussions.

Shortly before the state election, the dispute over the CDU campaign in Saxony-Anhalt is escalating. The Jewish community accuses Minister President Schulze of giving a platform to anti-Israeli positions through Hallervorden's appearance and demands a clearer demarcation.

Jewish Community Issues Sharp Criticism

The Jewish community in Saxony-Anhalt has sharply criticized Minister President Sven Schulze (CDU) for his appearance with cabaret artist Dieter Hallervorden.

"The inclusion of a comedian in the election campaign of Minister President Sven Schulze, who openly holds anti-Israeli positions and spreads narratives that distort the tragic events in and around Israel, has caused us considerable concern," the community wrote in a statement published on Thursday in Magdeburg.

Social Tensions Ahead of Election

"Before the state election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, we are experiencing an unusually high level of social tension," the Jewish community stated. Democratic parties bear a special responsibility in this situation. For many years, they have been reliable guarantors for the protection of Jewish life in the state and for support of Israel. They must remain so in the future.

Schulze's Response Deemed Insufficient

Schulze had already stated on Wednesday, including on social media, that he considers some of Hallervorden's statements to be false or "fundamentally wrong." He explicitly referred to the accusation of genocide against Israel. However, he insists on continuing the discussion series "Art needs freedom," arguing that a democracy must also tolerate controversial opinions.

The Jewish community criticized Schulze's statement as not sufficient as a clarification. "The political impact of the statements made is not diminished by this," the community stated. For democratic parties, there must be no public proximity to individuals who relativize the terrorist attacks of Hamas on October 7 or legitimize anti-Israeli positions. "This includes clearly distancing oneself from all those who play with these topics and opposing them with arguments."

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