Young Jews in Germany fear 'dark chapter' after far-right AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt vote

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party became the largest party in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt after winning nearly 44 percent of the vote, prompting fears among young Jewish residents about the country's future. The AfD secured 39 seats, just three short of an absolute majority, and its leader Ulrich Siegmund says talks are underway to secure a governing majority. German intelligence classifies the state's AfD branch as right-wing extremist, and its central policies oppose immigration and Holocaust remembrance. Young Jewish residents like Naomi Tamir describe the result as "the start of a very dark chapter in German history," fearing reduced funding for Jewish organizations and memorials. Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed shock, calling it a warning to Europe, while some voters dismissed extremism concerns, citing immigration and economic stagnation as their motivations.