Elif Eralp, the Left Party's candidate for state premier in the state elections on September 20 in Berlin, the capital of Germany, rejected allegations of Hamas ties. Eralp stated that a clear stance against antisemitism must be taken.

Eralp, the candidate of Turkish origin, said that she aims for a politics that includes all Berliners – Jewish, Palestinian, and Muslim. She noted that she would adopt an approach that respects the right to self-determination of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.

Eralp acknowledged that individuals with different political views had participated in some events in the past. However, she stated that the Berlin Left Party is explicitly against cooperation with Islamist organizations. Eralp stated that antisemitism is not limited to the far-right but can also be observed in left-wing circles. She noted that studies have shown antisemitic attitudes among those who identify as left-wing are lower than among those with centrist or right-wing leanings.

Eralp expressed that the protection and strengthening of Jewish life in Berlin are important to her. She stated that Jewish culture, religion, and traditions should be supported. Discussions regarding antisemitism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been ongoing in the Berlin Left Party for a long time. Former Culture Senator Klaus Lederer and some party officials had left the party in 2024, criticizing the party leadership's stance on antisemitism.

Eralp distanced herself from the Lower Saxony Left Party resolution, which contained strong statements against Israel. Criticizing the resolution for not mentioning Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, Eralp stated that Israel's right to exist and the Jewish people's right to self-determination are undeniable. She also argued that Palestinians have the right to self-determination.

Eralp emphasized that the Israeli-Palestinian issue should not polarize society in Berlin. She reiterated that she wants a politics focused on Berliners of different identities and beliefs being able to live together.