Elif Eralp, the Left Party's candidate for Governing Mayor in the state elections to be held on September 20 in Berlin, the capital of Germany, rejected claims of a Hamas connection. Eralp emphasized that a clear stance must be taken against antisemitism.

The candidate of Turkish origin stated that she wants to pursue a politics that includes all Berliners—Jewish, Palestinian, and Muslim. She noted that she aims for 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 emphasized that the Berlin Left Party is explicitly against cooperation with Islamist organizations. Stating that antisemitism can also be observed in left-wing circles, Eralp said that antisemitism is not limited solely to the far-right. She noted that research shows antisemitic attitudes are lower among individuals who identify as left-wing compared to those with centrist or right-wing leanings.

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

Eralp also distanced herself from the Lower Saxony Left Party's 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 similarly argued that Palestinians also have the right to self-determination.

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