Proposed anti-Semitism official seeks increased knowledge.

Teaching young people - Proposed anti-Semitism official seeks increased knowledge.

The appointed anti-discrimination commissioner for anti-Semitism in Brandenburg, Andreas Büttner, emphasizes the importance of increased education, particularly among the younger generation. He told the German Press Agency, "It's crucial to bring people closer together, mainly young women and men." Büttner voiced concerns for all age groups. "People need to comprehend what it implies that Jewish women and men no longer feel secure openly expressing their faith in public," he expressed. "I believe there's a substantial amount of ignorance." Lightly joking, Büttner added, "We have 80 million football coaches who know nothing about football, and we have 80 million Middle East experts." One group lacks football knowledge, while the other lacks understanding of the Middle East.

The main council of the state parliament nominated the 50-year-old Left Party representative for the position on Wednesday with a majority. The state parliament will make the final decision next week. The anti-Semitism commissioner is to serve as a point of contact for Jewish women and men and their interests, with a focus on reported anti-Semitic incidents. Büttner is the chairperson of the Israel Friendship Group in the state legislature. In his own words, he's a Mormon, but not an actively practicing one. He outperformed over 30 other candidates. The Jewish communities were actively involved in the selection process. The AfD faction opposes the establishment of the commissioner.

The proposed anti-Semitism commissioner also supports heightened security measures for Jewish communities. "They must feel secure," said Büttner. The coalition govern

ment of the left, greens, and social democrats finalized an anti-Semitism plan in June, which includes enhancing security for Jewish communities. In Brandenburg, there are approximately 2,000 Jewish women and men, and there are 11 Jewish communities. In Potsdam, the new synagogue is scheduled to be inaugurated soon.

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1. The German Press Agency reported that the main council of the Brandenburg state parliament nominated Andreas Büttner, a 50-year-old Left Party representative, as the anti-Semitism commissioner, echoing his emphasis on education and increased understanding among youth regarding anti-Semitism.
2. During his appointment process, Büttner, who is also the chairperson of the Israel Friendship Group in the state legislature, voiced concern over reported anti-Semitic incidents and advocated forheightened security measures to ensure the safety of Jewish communities, including the 2,000 Jewish women and men living in Brandenburg and the 11 Jewish communities within the region.
3. Büttner's opposition to the establishment of the commissioner was voiced by the AfD faction, while the Jewish communities played an active role in the selection process, ensuring the appointment of a candidate who would represent their interests effectively in addressing concerns related to anti-Semitism and religion.
4. In addition to his responsibilities as anti-Semitism commissioner, Büttner, who identifies as a Mormon despite not practicing actively, has previously been a vocal critic of extremist groups such as Hamas, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance among various faiths and communities in the region.

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