Belief System - Commissioner Expresses Concern Over Anti-Semitism Toward Jews
Brandenburg's designated anti-Semitism commissioner, Andreas Büttner, has voiced concerns about rising anti-Semitism. He told the German Press Agency, "We've got anti-Semitism all over the place, and it's growing throughout society." The Left Party member of the Brandenburg state parliament made this comment while referring to the growing number of anti-Semitic crimes. The Main Committee of the State Parliament elected Büttner on Wednesday in Potsdam with a majority, and he'll be voted on next week during the parliamentary session. Büttner emphasized the urgency of the position, saying, "We need this function more than ever."
This position is expected to serve as a point of contact for Jews and Jewish groups, as well as handle matters dealing with Jewish communities, even in potentially anti-Semitic situations. The role also aims to promote dialogue between religions and exchange with Jewish communities. Büttner won the competition against 36 other candidates, thanks to various factions in the Brandenburg State Parliament, including the Israel Friendship Circle chairman and numerous Jewish community members who were involved in the process.
Büttner speaks out against "perpetrator-victim reversal"
The designated commissioner highlighted concerns over the recent terrorist attack by Hamas, an Islamist group, on Israel amidst increasing anti-Semitism. Commenting on the surge in anti-Semitic incidents, Büttner said, "Since October 7th, it's only gotten worse." He cautioned against "perpetrator-victim reversal." "On October 7th - we need to emphasize this over and over - was the biggest genocidal act against Jews and Jewish people since the Holocaust," he explained, referring to the National Socialists' killing of around six million Jews in Europe during the Holocaust.
Büttner is a religious politician affiliated with the Left Faction in the Brandenburg State Parliament and serves as one of the chairmen of the Israel Friendship Circle. He described himself as a non-practicing Mormon: "I was born into it, but I have nothing to do with it. I never left, but I wouldn't call myself a believer." Büttner started his political journey as a CDU member, then switched to the FDP and finally joined the Left in 2015. Mormons, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, believe in family, missionary work, and avoid coffee, alcohol, and nicotine for religious reasons.
Brandenburg's SPD faction leader Daniel Keller is content with the outcome. Stating the importance of filling the role of the anti-Semitism commissioner and not delaying it to the next legislative period, Keller said, "It's key now to have the anti-Semitism commissioner and to prevent postponing it." The position plays an essential role in combating anti-Semitism and fostering respectful coexistence in Brandenburg.
The Brandenburg State Parliament passed a decision in 2022 to fight against anti-Semitism. Concerning the current state of anti-Semitism commissioners in the country, Felix Klein, the federal government's anti-Semitism commissioner, stated that 14 of the 16 federal states already have them, including Berlin. The Brandenburg AfD faction, however, opposes the establishment of this position. They've accused the other factions of using political gain by targeting those who've experienced anti-Semitism.
