Shop owner Hans Velten Reisch angered the public by posting a sign banning Jews from his store.
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 confirmed.
Reporters said the same message remains visible inside the shop on a wall opposite the entrance.
The incident triggered heated discussions in Flensburg and on social media, with users condemning the discriminatory content.
Some likened it to Nazi-era actions, while others called for boycotts, protests, or even violent reprisals.
By Thursday morning, someone had smeared slogans like “Nazis out” on the shop window.
Politicians Condemn Antisemitism Strongly
Mayor Fabian Geyer called the sign “a reminder of the darkest chapters of Germany’s history.”
He said it represented “a clear statement against Jews in our society” and had no place in Flensburg.
The Greens called it “a clear expression of antisemitism” mocking Jewish history and threatening democratic values.
SPD politician Kianusch Stender urged the city to fight antisemitism everywhere due to its historical responsibility.
Former mayor Simone Lange personally reported the incident to police and condemned it on social media.
Antisemitism commissioner Felix Klein called it “a very clear case of antisemitism” and demanded immediate action.
Education Minister Karin Prien said antisemitism “goes against everything democratic coexistence represents.”
MEP Rasmus Andresen called the sign “inhuman” and appealed for stronger EU protections against discrimination.
Police confirmed at least four complaints against Reisch, which prosecutors now review for possible incitement charges.
Shop Owner Defends Actions
Hans Velten Reisch, 60, has run his Flensburg shop since 2016, selling technical manuals for cars and motorcycles.
He rejected extremist accusations, saying, “I’m not a Nazi” and describing himself as politically mixed but not radical.
Reisch criticized modern language use, claiming terms like “racism” are applied too lightly.
He voiced frustration with bureaucracy, media, politics, freedom of expression, and societal issues.
He criticized Germany’s Israel policy, calling it “Western hypocrisy,” and said he refuses service to customers supporting the war.
Reisch clarified he welcomes Jews who distance themselves from the conflict, adding, “They can have a coffee too.”
He admitted surprise at the public backlash, saying, “I never thought it would make such a big splash.”
He maintained that the sign targeted his immediate surroundings and insisted, “I’m not inciting hatred, I’m just saying what I think.”
