A shop in Flensburg, Germany, owned by Hans-Velten Reisch, has sparked outrage after posting a sign declaring, “Jews are banned from entering here! Nothing personal. No antisemitism. Just can’t stand you.” The store, which sells gothic goods and technical literature, became the focus of national attention as debates over antisemitism intensify in connection with the war in Gaza.
State officials in Schleswig-Holstein condemned the action. Dorit Stenke, the state’s Minister of Culture, described the sign as a “frightening signal” and an attack on free coexistence, insisting such hostility must be countered decisively. Gerhard Ulrich, the state’s antisemitism commissioner, said the message echoed the hate speech of the Nazi era, warning that it endangers public peace and undermines democratic values. Criminal complaints have already been filed for incitement of hatred.
Reisch defended his actions, claiming anger over reports from Gaza motivated him to put up the sign. Police later ordered the sign removed.
The controversy comes amid a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in Schleswig-Holstein, where authorities recorded nearly a 400 percent increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. The case has fueled concern that such open displays of hate reflect a growing and dangerous trend across Germany.