A Dachdeckermeister from Sebnitz, a small town in Saxony, Germany, has sparked outrage after publishing a racist and antisemitic advertisement in the local Amtsblatt, seeking trainees for 2026. The ad, which included derogatory terms such as "Hakennasen" (hooked noses), "Bimbos," and "Zeppelträger" (a term whose meaning is debated but is believed to refer to Black individuals or possibly Muslims), has drawn widespread condemnation from local officials and the public.
On April 17, 2025, images of the ad circulated on social media, igniting a firestorm of criticism. Andreas Büttner, the anti-Semitism commissioner in Brandenburg, commented on the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Antisemitism and racism often go hand in hand, especially in the right-wing scene. One of the most disgusting examples we are currently witnessing is in #Sebnitz."
The ad was placed by Ronney W., who has been a Dachdeckermeister for 30 years. It initially appeared to be a routine anniversary advertisement thanking customers and business partners. However, the offensive language hidden in the ad soon overshadowed its original intent. The city of Sebnitz, which has a population of nearly 10,000 residents and is located near the Czech Republic, quickly distanced itself from the advertisement.
In a Facebook post, the city administration expressed their shock and dismay, stating, "In the current Grenzblatt, there is a private advertisement with contemptuous and xenophobic content. To read something like this is shameful and unacceptable. We are equally appalled and are currently trying to clarify the situation. It is important to know that the city of Sebnitz is only responsible for the editorial part of the Grenzblatt and does not know the ad section until it is published. This is solely the responsibility of the publisher."
Furthermore, the city emphasized its rejection of hate speech, stating, "Incitement to hatred, anti-Semitism, and xenophobia have no place here and will be rejected in every form. A criminal complaint against the author of the ad and the publisher has already been filed." This swift action reflects the city's commitment to combating discrimination and hate.
The ad's language has raised significant concern within the community and beyond. Lisa Thea Steiner, the district chairwoman of the Die Linke Sächsische Schweiz Osterzgebirge (SOE) party, expressed her deep disappointment, stating, "Whoever speaks of 'Hakennasen' and 'Bimbos' leaves every civilizational consensus. That these words could appear in an Amtsblatt is an unfathomable occurrence and a political alarm signal. Racism and antisemitism are not opinions; they are crimes."
In response to the incident, the Die Linke SOE party has called for legal consequences for Ronney W. and has organized a rally scheduled for Monday, April 21, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the market square of Sebnitz to protest against racism and discrimination. The rally aims to bring the community together to stand against hate and promote inclusivity.
As the backlash continues, many are questioning the implications of such an advertisement being published in a local government-sanctioned publication. Critics argue that the failure to screen the ad properly reflects a broader issue of tolerance and acceptance within certain segments of society. Some speculate that the ad may have slipped through the cracks due to its last-minute submission, but the damage has been done.
In the federal election, Sebnitz saw the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gain significant traction, with candidate Steffen Janich receiving 57.4 percent of the first votes. This political landscape raises concerns about the normalization of extremist views in the region, prompting many to call for a united front against such ideologies.
The incident has also sparked discussions on social media platforms, where users are expressing their outrage and calling for accountability. Many are sharing their thoughts on the implications of the ad and the need for a more robust response to racism and antisemitism in Germany.
As the city of Sebnitz navigates this controversy, the community is left grappling with the reality of hate speech and the importance of standing up against it. The actions taken by local officials and community leaders will be closely watched as they work to address the fallout from this incident and ensure that such language has no place in their town.
This situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against racism and discrimination, highlighting the importance of vigilance and collective action in the face of hate. The response from the city and the community will be crucial in shaping the narrative moving forward, as they seek to foster an environment of acceptance and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background.
