Survey: Germany not obligated to support Israel

A new survey released last week found that only 35 percent of Germans think the Holocaust should continue to influence German policy toward Israel.

Produced by the Forsa research institute for Germany’s Stern magazine, the poll of 1,000 citizens reveals ambivalence among many toward Israel’s politics, while general appreciation for the Jewish state remains strong.

Manfred Gullner, the head of the Forsa institute, told Stern he found it a “dangerous development” if young Germans outright reject dealing with their country’s National Socialist past.

About half of all Germans find Israel an aggressive country, while 45 percent said they like Israel.

The study found that 13 percent of Germans — and 28 percent of Left Party members — question whether Israel has a right to exist.

Asked whether Germans should feel a special responsibility to support Israel because of the Holocaust, 60 percent of respondents said no. Of the younger respondents, 70 percent rejected the special relationship, as did 68 percent of former East Germans and 72 percent of Left Party members. — jta