Deutsche Post told The Jerusalem Post it has approved a customer’s request to use a Star of David design on an individualized stamp after previously rejecting the design.
Deutsche Post is used in Germany for its domestic mail services. Every customer can use the Deutsche Post website to upload a motif for individualized stamps for use in their private mail.
However, Bild first reported on Monday that Deutsche Post rejected Munich resident Barbara Schaumberger’s request for a Star of David as a motif for individual stamps on the grounds that it was “politically or ethically incorrect.” The design request specifically featured the logo of a Munich initiative that combats antisemitism with a pink Jewish star and the words “antisemitism, count me out.”
“I designed and ordered a sheet with 18 stamps,” Schaumberger told Bild. “I wanted to draw more attention to the campaign in my circle of acquaintances.”
After two days, she said she received a brief message from the post office by email: “Unfortunately, we have to reject your stamp order” on account of “forbidden, politically, or ethically incorrect motives.”
Deutsche Post makes a U-turn over Star of David stamp
The Post reached out to Deutsche Post on Tuesday. A spokesperson replied that “in light of the particular societal significance of the issue at hand, we have reviewed the case again and decided to approve the individualized stamp.”
The spokesperson said that the claim that the design was rejected because it was considered politically or ethically incorrect is “absolutely false.”
They said the original decision was based solely on the review criteria and design guidelines, which state that the stamp “is generally not intended to serve as a platform for political or social campaigns.”
This policy is designed to prevent the use of content that may be abusive, discriminatory, or divisive, the spokesperson added.
At the same time, the spokesperson said Deutsche Post will review its guidelines and internal processes to ensure that these requirements can be applied clearly and consistently.
They said they have reached out to the customer, and she will receive her individualized stamp with the proposed design.
The spokesperson told the Post that Deutsche Post “stands firmly and unequivocally against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination,” noting that this commitment has been reflected for many years in its support for and promotion of remembrance culture, including through the special stamp issues such as “70 Years of Yad Vashem.”
The Post reached out to Schaumberger for comment.