Germany calls for anti-semitism officer

GERMANY’S interior minister yesterday called for the creation of an anti-semitism officer to tackle increasing violence against Jews.

Thomas de Maiziere, a member of Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats, said “hatred towards Jews must never be allowed to take hold again in Germany”.

“Each crime motivated by anti-semitism is one too many and shameful for our country,” Mr de Maiziere told Bild am Sonntag.

He said disparaging remarks, inappropriate jokes and discriminatory behaviour against “our Jewish citizens” have grown.

Germany’s Central Council of Jews has repeatedly called for the government to appoint a commissioner to combat rising anti-semitism.

It has suggested the new anti-semitism officer could record attacks and serve as a point of contact for people who experience prejudice.

Jewish people in Germany are increasingly worried about their safety, a report found. The internet and social media in particular are sources of anti-semitic hate.

At the time, experts called for better detection and prosecution of anti-semitic offences, as well as better counselling services and a new anti-semitism officer.

Josef Schuster, president of the council, previously told Bild that there are still parts of Germany where it is dangerous to be Jewish.

“In some districts in major cities, I’d advise people not to identify themselves as Jews,” he said. Recently, homemade Israeli flags were burned during a protest against Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.