Die Linke faces antisemitism controversy ahead of Berlin elections

The German political party Die Linke (The Left) is facing intense scrutiny regarding allegations of antisemitism ahead of the Berlin regional elections. The controversy intensified following a political rally in Berlin-Neukölln, where the rapper Dahabflex performed a song titled “Stop the Genocide,” which contains lyrics perceived as glorifying violence against Israel.

While the Neukölln district branch justified the invitation based on anti-war stances, the party's lead candidate for Berlin, Elif Eralp, has distanced herself from the performance, stating she defends both Jewish and Palestinian lives. This incident follows a June 2026 national congress where a majority of the party voted to characterize Israeli military actions in Gaza as “genocide.”

Critics and experts, such as psychologist Tom Uhlig, argue that antisemitism within the political left often manifests as criticism centered on the State of Israel to remain socially acceptable. Despite these controversies, recent polls suggest Die Linke could emerge as a leading force in the upcoming elections, potentially forming a coalition with the Social Democrats and the Greens.