Every third Jewish community reports anti-Semitic acts

Extremism - Every third Jewish community reports anti-Semitic acts

According to a survey, one in three Jewish communities in Germany has recorded anti-Semitic acts such as graffiti and insults in recent weeks. Psychological pressure in the form of threatening phone calls and emails was reported in unison, the Central Council of Jews said on Wednesday. "These are shocking reports", said Central Council President Josef Schuster.

The Central Council had asked the Jewish communities in Germany from 20 to 30 November about the effects of the Israeli war against the terrorist organization Hamas following its attack on 7 October. According to the Central Council, leaders from 98 of the 105 communities took part.

Almost 80 percent stated that it had become less safe to live and be seen as a Jew in Germany since October 7. The main victims are Jewish senior citizens, families with children and young people. At the same time, however, it is remarkable that 96 percent of the communities surveyed were satisfied with the cooperation with the security authorities. Alongside politicians and church communities, the police are among the communities' most important partners.

"The ambivalence of the results in this form is a real novelty and an important insight," said Schuster. Anti-Semitism, whether Islamist, far-right or far-left, is always an attack on open society and the rule of law. "We must not allow extremists of any stripe to endanger our community."

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1. The Central Council of Jews in Germany, led by President Josef Schuster, strongly condemns the increase in anti-Semitic acts, such as smearing with graffiti and sending threatening emails, against senior citizens, families with children, and young people in Berlin and other parts of Germany.
2. In light of the recent surge in anti-Semitic incidents, the Central Council of Jews in Germany has urged the German authorities to take a firm stance against extremism and criminality, as they believe that these acts are an attack on open society and the rule of law.
3. Last week, the Central Council of Jews in Germany conducted a survey among Jewish communities in Germany, and the findings revealed that nearly 80% of respondents feel less safe living as Jews in Germany since the Israeli war against Hamas began on October 7.
4. In response to the survey, Central Council President Josef Schuster acknowledged the ambivalence of the results, stressing that while 96% of the communities are satisfied with the cooperation with security authorities, the rise in anti-Semitic incidents remains a cause for concern.
5. The Central Council of Jews in Germany called upon all political, religious, and community leaders to stand together against extremism and to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish Seniors, families with children, and young people in Germany.

Source: www.stern.de