German mail carrier reverses course on anti-antisemitism Star of David stamp

Deutsche Post affirms it stands firmly against antisemitism after greenlighting a Star of David stamp initially declined.

Deutsche Post informed The Jerusalem Post that it has cleared a customer's request to place a Star of David motif on a personalized stamp, reversing its prior rejection of the design.

Deutsche Post operates as a DHL Group brand for domestic mail delivery across Germany. Any customer may upload a chosen image via the company's website to create individualized stamps for personal correspondence.

Earlier reports from BILD indicated that Deutsche Post had denied Munich resident Barbara Schaumberger's request for a Star of David motif on the basis that it was politically or ethically unsuitable. The submitted design included the emblem of a Munich campaign against antisemitism, featuring a pink Jewish star alongside the phrase 'antisemitism, count me out.'

Schaumberger explained to BILD that she had created and submitted an order for a sheet of 18 stamps to raise awareness of the initiative among her acquaintances.

She noted that two days later the post office sent a short email stating the order was rejected due to forbidden, politically or ethically incorrect motives.

Deutsche Post reverses decision on Star of David stamp

The Post contacted Deutsche Post on Tuesday. A spokesperson stated that given the societal importance of the matter, the company reviewed the request again and chose to approve the individualized stamp.

The spokesperson clarified that the assertion the design was rejected for being politically or ethically incorrect is entirely unfounded.

They explained the initial decision rested only on standard review criteria and design rules, which generally prohibit stamps from serving as platforms for political or social campaigns.

This approach aims to avoid content that could prove abusive, discriminatory, or divisive, the spokesperson added.

At the same time, the spokesperson noted Deutsche Post will examine its guidelines and internal procedures to ensure consistent and clear application of these standards.

They confirmed contact with the customer, who will now receive the requested individualized stamps with the proposed design.

The spokesperson told The Post that Deutsche Post stands firmly and unequivocally against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, a commitment shown over many years through support for remembrance efforts, including special stamp issues such as 70 Years of Yad Vashem.

The Post reached out to Schaumberger for further comment.