NRW government launches campaign against anti-Semitism
The North Rhine-Westphalian state government is stepping up the fight against anti-Semitism and the protection of Jewish institutions. Among other things, the state is increasing funding for structural security measures at synagogues and other Jewish institutions by an additional 11.5 million euros, as Minister President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) said in Düsseldorf on Wednesday.
A ten-point plan approved by the cabinet also includes numerous measures for prevention and education in schools. For example, a school reporting system is to be established in order to find out whether and where there are anti-Semitic focal points in the school system.
Judges and public prosecutors are to receive targeted training in order to better recognize possible anti-Semitic and Islamist signs and slogans, for example at pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Police officers are already being supported by translators at demonstrations, said Wüst. In addition, the authorities are increasingly relying on expertise in Islamic studies. However, public prosecutors and courts must also have appropriate tools at their disposal. "Anyone who brings hatred of Israel or Jews into our society will feel the full force of the rule of law," said Wüst.
According to the state's anti-Semitism commissioner, Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, more than 380 anti-Semitic incidents have been registered in NRW since the massacre by the Islamist Hamas in Israel on October 7 alone. "There are more every day," she said. The incidents ranged from tearing up the Israeli flag, damage to property and marking houses with the Star of David to violent crimes. By comparison, there were around 100 anti-Semitic incidents in NRW in the first half of 2023
The North Rhine-Westphalian government recognizes the rise in extremist activities, including anti-Semitism, and aims to combat both issues. Therefore, they are providing additional funding for security measures at Jewish institutions and training for judges and prosecutors to recognize signs of Islamist extremism.
Source: www.dpa.com
