SPD state leader: Prevention projects are now paying off
Against the backdrop of the recent anti-Semitic incidents in Berlin, SPD state and parliamentary group leader Raed Saleh has emphasized the importance of preventative measures. "In order for our city to stay together in this tense situation, we need repression, but we also need prevention, we have to think about both together," he told the German Press Agency. "We need a firm hand for those who despise the state and our basic values, who have an anti-democratic world view and want to enforce it with violence." However, strong preventative measures are also needed for those who are at risk of slipping into hatred and violence.
"I hope that those in Berlin who are interested in keeping the city together will have their say in this discussion," said the SPD politician, who had invited representatives from a number of organizations involved in prevention work to the House of Representatives for an exchange of views on Friday morning.
In Berlin, there is a network of projects against anti-Semitism that has been established over many years. "Many prevention projects are paying off right now in this situation, they are doing important educational and awareness-raising work," said the SPD politician. Every euro spent on prevention programs is an investment in social peace in Berlin.
"If you now fundamentally question the prevention measures, you are sawing at the branch you are sitting on," said Saleh with regard to corresponding considerations from the Berlin CDU. CDU domestic policy expert Burkard Dregger had criticized that the expensively financed anti-Semitism prevention programmes had remained unsuccessful.
If you want cohesion, you need a strong, firm branch, said Saleh. "Restricting prevention projects and withdrawing funding would be the completely wrong approach for the Berlin of today, but also for the Berlin of tomorrow."
SPD state leader Raed Saleh highlighted the effectiveness of ongoing prevention projects against anti-Semitism in Berlin, stating, "Many prevention projects are paying off right now in this situation, they are doing important educational and awareness-raising work." Furthermore, Saleh emphasized the importance of maintaining funding for these projects, cautioning, "Restricting prevention projects and withdrawing funding would be the completely wrong approach for the Berlin of today, but also for the Berlin of tomorrow."
Source: www.dpa.com
