Shop owner Hans Velten Reisch posted a sign banning Jews, igniting protests and widespread condemnation.
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 escalation and maintain public order, spokesperson Philipp Renoncourt confirmed.
Local reporters noted the message remains visible on an interior wall opposite the entrance.
The incident triggered heated debates in Flensburg and on social media, with many condemning its discriminatory content.
Some users compared the sign to Nazi-era practices, while others called for boycotts or punitive action.
By Thursday morning, graffiti reading “Nazis out” appeared on the shop window.
Leaders Condemn Antisemitism
Flensburg Mayor Fabian Geyer said the sign “reminds us of the darkest chapters of Germany’s history.”
He emphasized the message represents “a clear statement against Jews in our society.”
The Greens called the sign “a clear expression of antisemitism” that mocks Jewish suffering and undermines open society.
SPD politician Kianusch Stender stressed that Flensburg must always confront antisemitism due to its historical responsibility.
Former mayor Simone Lange reported the incident to police and publicly condemned the act.
Federal Commissioner Felix Klein called it “a very clear case of antisemitism” and demanded intervention.
Education Minister Karin Prien said antisemitism “opposes everything democratic coexistence stands for” and praised authorities for acting.
MEP Rasmus Andresen condemned the “inhuman sign” and urged stronger EU protections against discrimination.
Police confirmed receiving at least four complaints against Reisch, now under review by prosecutors for incitement.
Shop Owner Defends Himself
Hans Velten Reisch, 60, has run his Flensburg shop since 2016, selling technical manuals for vehicles.
He denied extremist ties, stating, “I’m not a Nazi” and describing himself as politically mixed, not radical.
Reisch criticized modern language, claiming society overuses terms like “racism” and labels people unfairly.
He expressed frustration with bureaucracy, media coverage, freedom of expression, and Germany’s Israel policy, calling it “hypocrisy.”
Reisch said he refuses service to customers who, in his view, support the war in Israel.
He added that Jews who clearly distance themselves from the conflict can still enter the shop.
Reisch expressed surprise at the public reaction, stating, “I never thought it would make such a big splash.”
He maintained that his message targeted his immediate environment and insisted, “I’m not inciting hatred, I’m just saying what I think.”
