In Flensburg, Hans Velten Reisch angered residents with a shop sign banning Jews from entry.
The sign 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 protect public order, spokesperson Philipp Renoncourt said.
Reporters noted the message still appeared inside the shop on a wall opposite the entrance.
The incident sparked heated debate in Flensburg and online, with many condemning the discriminatory message.
Some compared it to Nazi-era practices, while others called for boycotts, protests, or even arson.
By Thursday morning, vandals smeared the shop window with slogans such as “Nazis out.”
Leaders Denounce Antisemitic Message
Mayor Fabian Geyer called the sign “a reminder of Germany’s darkest chapters” and said it has no place in the city.
He said the notice “was not an opinion, but a clear statement against Jews in our society.”
Flensburg Greens described the message as antisemitic, mocking Jewish history and echoing Nazi crimes.
SPD politician Kianusch Stender said the city must always confront antisemitism due to historical responsibility.
Former mayor Simone Lange personally reported the incident to the police.
Federal Commissioner Felix Klein condemned the sign as “antisemitism in its purest form” and called for intervention.
Education Minister Karin Prien said antisemitism “violates everything democratic coexistence stands for” and praised authorities for pressing charges.
MEP Rasmus Andresen condemned the “inhuman sign” and urged stronger EU protections against discrimination.
Police confirmed receiving at least four complaints against Reisch, which prosecutors are reviewing for possible incitement.
Shop Owner Defends Actions
Hans Velten Reisch, 60, has run his Flensburg shop since 2016, selling technical manuals for cars and motorcycles.
He rejected accusations of extremism, insisting, “I’m not a Nazi,” and described himself as politically mixed but not radical.
Reisch criticized modern language, claiming society uses terms like “racism” too loosely.
He expressed frustration with bureaucracy, media coverage, freedom-of-expression debates, and global politics, especially Israel policy.
He said he no longer serves customers he believes support Israel’s war: “I don’t need people like that here.”
Reisch added that Jews who clearly distance themselves from the war are welcome: “They can have a coffee too.”
He admitted surprise at the reaction, saying, “I never thought it would make such a big splash.”
He insisted the sign targeted his immediate environment and maintained, “I’m not inciting hatred, I’m just saying what I think.”
