Shop owner Hans Velten Reisch in Flensburg displayed a sign banning Jews from his store.
The sign read: “Jews are banned from here! Nothing personal. No antisemitism. Just can’t stand you.”
Police removed the message on Wednesday evening “to prevent danger” and protect public order, spokesperson Philipp Renoncourt confirmed.
Reporters observed that the same notice still appeared inside the shop, opposite the entrance door.
The case provoked strong reactions across Germany and on social media, where users condemned the act as deeply offensive.
Many compared the sign to Nazi-era practices, while others demanded boycotts, protests, or violent retaliation.
By Thursday morning, graffiti declaring “Nazis out” covered the store’s window.
Political Leaders Demand Firm Response
Flensburg Mayor Fabian Geyer condemned the incident, calling it “a reminder of the darkest chapters of Germany’s history.”
He stressed that the note was “a clear statement against Jews in our society.”
Local Greens described the sign as “a clear expression of antisemitism” that undermines democracy and mocks Jewish suffering.
SPD politician Kianusch Stender insisted Flensburg must always oppose antisemitism everywhere and at all times.
Former mayor Simone Lange personally filed a police report and condemned the act online.
Federal antisemitism commissioner Felix Klein labeled it “a very clear case of antisemitism” and called for decisive action.
Education Minister Karin Prien said antisemitism “contradicts everything democratic coexistence stands for” and welcomed the charges.
Green MEP Rasmus Andresen called the notice “inhuman” and demanded stronger protections against discrimination across the European Union.
Police confirmed at least four formal complaints against Reisch, now under review for possible incitement charges.
Shop Owner Rejects Extremist Label
Hans Velten Reisch, aged 60, has run his Flensburg shop since 2016, selling technical manuals for cars and motorcycles.
He denied extremist views, saying, “I’m not a Nazi” and describing himself as neither far-left nor far-right.
He criticized modern language, claiming people misuse words like “racism” and label others Nazis too quickly.
Reisch voiced frustration with politics, the media, bureaucracy, and Western policy toward Israel, which he called hypocritical.
He explained he will no longer serve customers who support Israel’s war, saying, “I don’t need people like that.”
At the same time, he said Jews who distance themselves from Israel’s actions are welcome, adding, “They can have a coffee too.”
Reisch admitted he never expected the backlash, saying, “I never thought it would make such a big splash.”
He insisted his words targeted his immediate surroundings and concluded, “I’m not inciting hatred, I’m just saying what I think.”
