Rising Intolerance in Germany Raises Concerns Amid Threats Against Muslim Woman

Rising Intolerance in Germany Raises Concerns Amid Threats Against Muslim Woman
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A recent study by the Robert Bosch Foundation has highlighted a notable decline in Germany’s acceptance of diversity over the past five years, sparking renewed concern over social cohesion. The findings show that only 34% of Germans now view religious diversity as an enrichment to society, down from 44% in 2019. Acceptance of ethnic diversity also fell sharply from 73% to 56% during the same period. Overall, the diversity index (Vielfaltsindex) dropped from 68 points in 2019 to 63 points this year.

Experts attribute this decline to a series of global crises—including the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, and ongoing economic challenges—that have heightened insecurity and fueled isolationist tendencies, particularly regarding cultural and religious differences. The drop in tolerance was most pronounced in Germany’s western states, narrowing the traditional gap with the east not because of improvements there, but due to sharp declines in the west.

This shifting climate was reflected in a disturbing incident in Bremen. A 31-year-old Muslim woman carrying her child was threatened by an unidentified man at the Horner Mühle tram stop. The assailant demanded she remove her headscarf, threatened to kill her, and escalated the confrontation after she attempted to film him. He fled aboard tram number 4, prompting Bremen police to launch an investigation and appeal for witnesses.

The case drew widespread condemnation. The Central Council of Muslims in Germany denounced repeated attacks on Muslims, emphasizing that the German constitution guarantees religious freedoms. Its secretary general, Abdessamad El Yazidi, urged political and social actors to move beyond verbal condemnation and implement concrete measures to ensure protection and deterrence.

The incident comes as a new report from the CLAIM alliance documented 3,080 anti-Muslim racist incidents in Germany over the past year, marking a 60% rise compared with 2023. These included two murders and 198 physical assaults, some classified as attempted killings—amounting to more than eight reported cases daily. Observers warn that such developments threaten social harmony. With Muslims comprising an estimated five million people in Germany, experts stress that defending their rights is vital for upholding democracy, dignity, and unity across society.