Overview
- The Niedersachsen state board acknowledged errors in key wording, apologized to those hurt, and said it will seek talks with Jewish organizations.
- Federal co‑chairs Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken distanced the party from the state text, warned against using “Zionist” or “antisemitic” as slurs, and insisted positions must respect both peoples’ self‑determination.
- The federal executive circulated a six‑page motion for the June party congress that condemns antisemitism and antimuslim racism, denounces Hamas, sharply criticizes Israel’s conduct in Gaza as genocide in the party’s majority view, and backs a two‑state solution recognizing both states’ existence.
- The Lower Saxony resolution rejected the “today real existing Zionism,” labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza “genocide” and “apartheid,” and urged sanctions and arrests of Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.
- Fallout included strong condemnation by the Central Council of Jews, an ongoing review announced by the state domestic intelligence service, and the resignation from the party by Brandenburg antisemitism commissioner Andreas Büttner.