In Flensburg, Hans Velten Reisch posted a sign banning Jews from his shop, triggering local and national outrage.
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 maintain public order, spokesperson Philipp Renoncourt said.
Reporters noted that the message remains visible on a wall inside the shop opposite the entrance.
Social media users condemned the notice as discriminatory, comparing it to Nazi-era behavior and calling for boycotts.
Some called for violent actions, while others demanded to identify the shop. Protest graffiti appeared reading “Nazis out.”
Politicians and Leaders Condemn Antisemitism
Mayor Fabian Geyer called the sign “a reminder of the darkest chapters of Germany’s history” and unacceptable in Flensburg.
He said the sign represents “a clear statement against Jews in our society.”
The Greens described it as “a clear expression of antisemitism” mocking Jewish history and threatening democracy.
SPD politician Kianusch Stender urged the city to oppose antisemitism everywhere and at all times.
Former mayor Simone Lange personally reported the incident to police and publicly condemned the act.
Antisemitism commissioner Felix Klein called it “a very clear case of antisemitism” and demanded intervention.
Education Minister Karin Prien emphasized that antisemitism violates democratic coexistence and praised authorities for filing charges.
MEP Rasmus Andresen condemned the “inhuman sign” and called for EU-level protections against discrimination.
Police confirmed receiving at least four complaints, now under review by the public prosecutor for possible incitement charges.
Shop Owner Defends Actions and Views
Hans Velten Reisch, 60, runs his Flensburg shop specializing in technical manuals for cars and motorcycles.
He denied extremism, insisting, “I’m not a Nazi,” and described himself as politically mixed but not radical.
Reisch criticized society’s use of terms like “racism,” claiming people label others too easily.
He voiced frustration with politics, media, bureaucracy, and Germany’s Israel policy, calling it “hypocrisy.”
He said he refuses service to customers he believes support Israel’s war: “I don’t need people like that.”
He added that Jews who clearly distance themselves from the conflict remain welcome: “They can have a coffee too.”
Reisch expressed surprise at the reaction, stating, “I never thought it would make such a big splash.”
He maintained the sign targeted his immediate environment and said, “I’m not inciting hatred, I’m just saying what I think.”
