Shopkeeper Hans Velten Reisch posted a notice in Flensburg banning Jews from his store.
The sign declared: “Jews are banned from here! Nothing personal. No antisemitism. Just can’t stand you.”
Police intervened Wednesday evening, removing the note to prevent danger and maintain public order.
Local reporters later observed the same message still displayed on a wall inside the shop.
The case ignited fierce reactions in Flensburg and on social media, where many compared the incident to Nazi times.
Some called for boycotts, others demanded the shop’s exposure, while a few even urged vandalism or arson.
By Thursday, graffiti with “Nazis out” appeared across the shop’s window.
Political Leaders Demand Accountability
Mayor Fabian Geyer condemned the message as a “reminder of Germany’s darkest chapters” with no place in society.
The Greens labeled it “a clear expression of antisemitism” that mocked history and endangered democracy.
SPD politician Kianusch Stender insisted the city must “stand against antisemitism everywhere and at all times.”
Former mayor Simone Lange reported the incident herself, voicing outrage in a Facebook post.
Antisemitism commissioner Felix Klein described the case as “unambiguous antisemitism” and called for swift intervention.
Federal Education Minister Karin Prien warned that antisemitism undermines democracy and thanked authorities for pressing charges.
MEP Rasmus Andresen branded the sign “inhuman” and urged Europe to strengthen protections against discrimination.
Flensburg police confirmed four complaints against Reisch, now under review by prosecutors for possible incitement charges.
Shop Owner Denies Extremism Allegations
Hans Velten Reisch, 60, has operated his Duburger Straße shop since 2016, selling technical manuals for cars and motorcycles.
He rejected being labeled an extremist, insisting, “I’m not a Nazi,” and describing his politics as mixed but moderate.
He argued terms like “racism” are misused and complained people face labeling for minor cultural choices.
Reisch voiced frustration with politics, bureaucracy, media coverage, and Western policy toward Israel, which he called “hypocritical.”
He explained he refuses service to customers who support Israel’s war, stating, “I don’t need people like that here.”
At the same time, he stressed acceptance of Jews who reject the war, saying, “They can have a coffee too.”
Reisch admitted he underestimated the fallout, remarking, “I never thought it would make such a big splash.”
He defended his stance by saying, “I’m not spreading hate, I’m just expressing what I think.”
