Berlin, 9 Oct 2023. Israel is at war. The last 48 hours have also been dramatic for Jews in Germany. International antisemitism is revealing its brutal reality. This has effects in Germany too: the first reports of antisemitic incidents emerged. Jewish institutions have required even more protection than usual since Saturday. Antisemitism in Germany is already a daily occurrence: whether on the way home, at a party, or in the comment sections on Twitter.
For this reason, this year’s Education and Action Weeks are focusing on the appalling everyday antisemitism that normally does not make the headlines. The Amadeu Antonio Foundation is bringing together representatives from the Central Council of Jews in Germany, the counseling center against antisemitic violence OFEK, and the RIAS documentation office for a roundtable discussion to evaluate the current state of combating antisemitism in Germany and to identify gaps. The new war in Israel and its implications for Jewish organizations and Jews will also be part of the discussion.
In line with the campaign motto Zero Antisemitism, which among others includes a nationwide poster campaign in over 80 cities, the Action Weeks Against Antisemitism will hold a roundtable to reflect on the situation. Everyone must take a stand against antisemitism, whether at a party, online, or on public transportation.
For Jews in Germany, it is still impossible to publicly express their Jewish identity without fear: they cannot leave the house wearing a kippah or a Star of David necklace without worrying, as they are always at risk of threats and hostility. Antisemitism is pervasive, and in most cases, it does not reach the public’s attention. The ever-present antisemitism leads to more than two-thirds of Jews stating that they do not wear Jewish symbols in public. When those affected do speak out, their perspectives are often downplayed or quickly forgotten.
This was demonstrated recently in the Aiwanger case, where Jewish voices and their criticism were not taken seriously; instead, downplaying and relativization took place. Despite his antisemitism, Aiwanger was rewarded with a direct mandate in the state election. At least his case sparked public debate, whereas many other antisemitic experiences of Jews are barely noticed, except when Israel is under attack. There is no public outcry, no scandal, and no debate about the everyday reality of antisemitism. Meanwhile, memorials commemorating the crimes of the Nazis are increasingly becoming targets of attacks and desecration. The historical revisionist demands from leaders of the AfD are affecting the societal climate, putting even the hard-fought culture of remembrance of the Shoah under pressure. Engaging with the Nazi era often has no consequences for the present.
Timo Reinfrank, Executive Director of the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, emphasizes: “The last 48 hours have been dramatic for Jews: The terrorist organization Hamas has started a war with unimaginable brutality. This is international antisemitism, which also worsens the security situation for Jewish institutions in Germany. Political lip service in Germany is widespread, but now it’s time for clear action. It’s not as if no one knows what needs to be done regarding terrorist financing and antisemitism prevention. At the same time, a revisionist and far-right party was just elected as the second and third strongest force in Hesse and Bavaria yesterday. As a civil society, we cannot leave this unanswered. We must fight for our democracy; preventing right-wing extremism means preventing antisemitism.”
Dr. Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, highlights the importance of the campaign project in the fight against antisemitism: “The boundless terror in Israel must prompt German politics to reassess its actions. Civil society is also called upon. The Education and Action Weeks of the Amadeu Antonio Foundation make an important contribution to this effort.”
Dr. Felix Klein, the Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life and the Fight Against Antisemitism, comments: “The antisemitic ideology of Hamas is not confined to the Gaza Strip. Jews in Germany are also affected. Politics and civil society must work together to protect the Jewish community from this hatred. Important projects like the Education and Action Weeks Against Antisemitism play a crucial role in raising awareness about all forms of antisemitism, including that related to Israel. Once again this year, they are hitting the mark and reminding us: antisemitism concerns all of us!”