German Minister Karin Prien: "If AfD comes to power, I will leave Germany"
German Education Minister Karin Prien stated that she would leave Germany if the far-right AfD party (Alternative for Germany) came to power. In an interview with a podcast affiliated with the Funke Media Group, the CDU politician, who comes from a Jewish family, said that such a scenario would make her lose faith in her country. She added: "If the AfD becomes Chancellor of Germany, I will definitely leave the country before that. It will no longer be my country, and I fear that by then it may already be too late."
Breen explained that the decision to emigrate is not easy, noting that both the United States and Israel — the usual destinations for Jews — face specific challenges. However, she said that Israel remains her closest option: "Israel will remain my first choice, but it will definitely be a big step."
The minister expressed her deep concern over what she described as Germany's increasing failure to protect Jewish citizens from physical assaults and public harassment. She said, "Jews who are identifiable by wearing a kippah or a Star of David are subjected to spitting, insults, and attacks in the streets." She added that many members of the Jewish community are withdrawing from public life or considering leaving Germany in search of safety.
In a special meeting with several members of the Jewish community last weekend, Breen said she discussed these concerns with them. She added, "We talked about whether people have actually started saving money abroad as a precaution. This is no longer just ideas; it has become real discussions, and I wouldn't rule out considering it myself."
Despite praising the German political institutions that currently take a clear stance against extremism, Breen emphasized the need to maintain this commitment. She stated that it is painful for Jews to be held responsible for the decisions of the Israeli government simply because they are viewed as Jews, whether actually or presumed. She added: "This is the essence of classical anti-Semitism, and these accusations are increasing day by day."