A shop owner in Germany has banned Jewish people from entering his store while vowing he is “not a Nazi”.
On Wednesday, Hans Velten Reisch, owner of small speciality store in Flensburg put a small notecard in its window.
It read: “Jews are banned from here! thing personal. No antisemitism. Just can’t stand you.”
The authorities were alerted to the sign on Wednesday evening, and police spokesman Philipp Renoncourt said to local media that it had been removed “to prevent danger” and avoid any escalation.
However, according to locals, rather than being taken down, the sign has just been moved from the window to a wall inside the shop opposite the entrance.
The incident sparked outrage in the town and beyond, and by Thursday morning, the windows of the shop had slogans such as “Nazis out” written on them.
Flensburg Mayor Fabian Geyer said: “This is a reminder of the darkest chapters of Germany’s history and has absolutely no place in city.”
He added that the sign was “a clear statement against Jews in our society”.
The store in question is located in Flensburg
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Kianusch Stender, Member of the State Parliament for the Social Democratic Party of Germany, said: “We are an open, colourful city that has a duty, based on its historical responsibility alone, to take a stand against anti-Semitism everywhere and at all times.”
Felix Klein, the Federal Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism, said on Welt TV: “This is a very clear case of antisemitism and we must intervene.
“This must not be tolerated in any way.”
Mr Klein highlighted direct links with the Nazi era, and welcomed news that police reports had already been made.
ANTISEMITISM – READ MORE:
Hans Velten Reisch said he is against the war in Gaza
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Authorities confirmed on Thursday that they had received at least four complaints against Mr Reisch.
A Flensburg police spokesman said: “These are now being examined by the public prosecutor’s office for possible offences.”
It is believed that one offence being considered is incitement of the people.
Despite the backlash, Mr Reisch, 60, rejects accusations that he is an extremist.
The shop owner, who has Palestinian flags hung up in his store, described himself to the forde.news outlet as “a little to the left, a little to the right – but not radical”.
He emphasised: “I am not a Nazi.”
He condemned the use of language in today’s world, saying terms such as “racism” are used too lightly.
Mr Reisch also criticised Germany’s current policy towards Israel, slating it as “hypocrisy” by the West and had stopped serving customers who he believed to be supporting the war in Gaza.
He said: “I don’t need people like that here, neither in business nor in private.”
He did however add that he has no problem with Jewish people who clearly distance themselves from the war, adding: “They can have a coffee too.”
Arguing that his sign was only meant for those in his immediate environment, Mr Reisch said: “I never thought it would make such a big splash.
“I’m not inciting hatred, I’m just saying what I think.”
