In Flensburg, shop owner Hans Velten Reisch placed a sign in his window banning Jews from entry.
The note 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 avoid threats to public order, said spokesperson Philipp Renoncourt.
Local reporters confirmed the message remained visible on a wall inside the shop, despite its removal from the window.
The case sparked heated debate across Germany and provoked strong condemnation on social media.
Many users compared the wording to Nazi-era persecution and demanded boycotts.
Others called for attacks on the shop, while unknown individuals smeared slogans like “Nazis out” across its window.
Politicians Condemn Discrimination as History Echoes
Flensburg Mayor Fabian Geyer denounced the sign as a reminder of “the darkest chapters of Germany’s history.”
He stressed it was not an opinion but “a clear statement against Jews in our society.”
The Greens called the notice a “mockery of Jewish suffering” and an attack on an open society.
SPD lawmaker Kianusch Stender said Flensburg had a duty to oppose antisemitism because of its historical responsibility.
Former mayor Simone Lange announced she had reported the incident directly to police.
Antisemitism Commissioner Felix Klein condemned the act as “a very clear case of antisemitism” and urged intervention.
Education Minister Karin Prien said antisemitism opposes the foundation of democracy and welcomed existing charges.
MEP Rasmus Andresen condemned the “inhuman sign” and appealed for the EU to strengthen human rights protections.
Police confirmed they had received at least four complaints against Reisch, which prosecutors are now reviewing.
Shop Owner Rejects Extremist Label Amid Backlash
Reisch, aged 60, has operated his specialist shop since 2016, selling technical literature and workshop manuals.
He denied being a Nazi, describing himself as “a little to the left, a little to the right.”
He argued that terms like “racism” are used too lightly, citing “gypsy schnitzel” as an example.
Reisch expressed frustration with politics, bureaucracy, and media coverage in an interview with förde.news.
He strongly criticised Western policy on Israel, calling it “hypocrisy,” and said he would not serve supporters of the war.
He insisted he held nothing against Jews who rejected the conflict and said they were welcome for coffee.
Reisch admitted surprise at the national uproar, claiming the sign was intended only for his local surroundings.
“I’m not inciting hatred,” he said. “I’m just saying what I think.”
