Jewish Regional Association West promotes "new horizons"
Ud Joffe, Chairman of the Western Association of Jewish Communities in Brandenburg, has called for a new way of thinking about Jews in society. "It's about us embracing new horizons, new ways of taking things for granted," Joffe told the German Press Agency. He would like the anti-Semitism commissioner to not only focus on criminal offenses in the future, but also consider methods in cooperation with the state government and parliament that have an impact on the majority society.
"Prosecution is important," said Joffe, who is also chairman of the Potsdam synagogue community. However, he added: "In the long term, it does not bring about change." In order to change the situation in the long term, an educational approach is also necessary.
On Thursday, the Brandenburg state parliament took a stand on the side of the Jews as a consequence of the attack on Israel by the Islamist Hamas. It also set the course for the creation of an anti-Semitism commissioner. The position at the Landtag is still being advertised. According to the police, the number of anti-Semitic crimes has risen so far this year compared to the same period last year.
In Brandenburg, there is the Brandenburg State Association of Jewish Communities and the Western State Association of Jewish Religious Communities. The Jewish communities had long argued among themselves about the construction of the new synagogue in Potsdam, which is due to open next year.
The Western State Association of Jewish Religious Communities, an association within Brandenburg, shares the same goals as the Jewish Regional Association West, seeking new horizons and ways to integrate Jews more fully into society. Given the rise in anti-Semitic crimes this year, promoting religious associations like Judaism becomes increasingly essential for fostering understanding and tolerance.
Source: www.dpa.com
