In Flensburg, shop owner Hans Velten Reisch provoked outrage after posting a sign banning Jews from his store.
The sign read: “Jews are banned from here! Nothing personal. No antisemitism. Just can’t stand you.”
Police removed the sign Wednesday evening “to prevent danger” and maintain public order, spokesperson Philipp Renoncourt confirmed.
Local reporters later observed the same message still visible inside the shop opposite the entrance door.
The case ignited widespread debate across Flensburg and on social media, with many denouncing the discriminatory message.
Some compared it to Nazi-era practices, while others demanded boycotts, protests, or even destruction of the shop.
By Thursday morning, slogans such as “Nazis out” appeared smeared across the shop window.
Political Leaders Respond With Strong Condemnation
Mayor Fabian Geyer condemned the sign as “a reminder of the darkest chapters of Germany’s history.”
He called it “a clear statement against Jews in our society” and said it had no place in Flensburg.
The Greens described the message as “a clear expression of antisemitism” that trivialized Jewish persecution and undermined democracy.
SPD politician Kianusch Stender said the city must always confront antisemitism due to its historical responsibility.
Former mayor Simone Lange confirmed she personally reported the case to the police.
Federal antisemitism commissioner Felix Klein called it “a very clear case of antisemitism” and demanded intervention.
Education Minister Karin Prien stressed antisemitism “opposes everything democratic coexistence represents.”
MEP Rasmus Andresen condemned the notice as “inhuman” and urged stronger EU-wide safeguards against discrimination.
Police confirmed receiving at least four complaints against Reisch, with prosecutors reviewing charges of possible incitement.
Shop Owner Defends Actions Amid Backlash
Hans Velten Reisch, aged 60, has managed his Flensburg store since 2016, selling technical vehicle manuals.
He rejected accusations of extremism, insisting, “I’m not a Nazi” and describing himself as politically balanced, not radical.
Reisch criticized modern language use, claiming terms like “racism” are applied too loosely in society.
He voiced frustration with politics, bureaucracy, media, and Germany’s policy toward Israel, which he labeled “hypocrisy.”
Reisch said he refuses service to people he believes support Israel’s war: “I don’t need people like that.”
He stated he has “nothing against Jews who distance themselves from the war,” adding, “They can have a coffee too.”
He admitted surprise at the massive response, saying, “I never thought it would make such a big splash.”
Reisch argued his message only targeted his immediate environment and maintained, “I’m not inciting hatred, I’m just saying what I think.”
