Elif Eralp, the Left Party's top candidate for Berlin, unequivocally rejected claims of a Hamas connection. Eralp emphasized that she takes a clear stance against antisemitism. Speaking ahead of the Berlin state elections on September 20, Eralp stated that she aims to pursue a policy that includes all Berliners – Jewish, Palestinian, and Muslim. She also noted that she advocates for the right to self-determination for both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.

Eralp acknowledged that individuals with differing political views had participated in some events in the past. However, she stressed 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 to the far-right but can also emerge in Islamist and left-wing segments. She noted that studies show antisemitic attitudes are lower among individuals who identify as left-wing compared to those with centrist or right-wing leanings.

Eralp stated that the protection and strengthening of Jewish life in Berlin are important to her, and expressed that Jewish culture, religion, and traditions should be supported. Discussions regarding antisemitism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have long been ongoing 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 said that Israel's right to exist and the Jewish people's right to self-determination are indisputable for her. Eralp argued that Palestinians likewise have the right to self-determination.

Stating that the Israeli-Palestinian issue should not polarize society in Berlin, Eralp expressed her desire for a policy focused on Berliners of different identities and faiths being able to live together. Eralp reiterated her goal of "a policy that includes all Berliners – Jewish, Palestinian, or Muslim."

Baba Agency/Berlin