Anti-Semitism: World Congress worries about increasing number of anti-Semitic crimes

The federal government must do even more against anti-Semitism, demands the WJC. It is about the fact that the German Jews continue to feel safe and valued.

Anti-Semitism: World Congress worries about increasing number of anti-Semitic crimes

The Jewish World Congress (WJC) is concerned about increasing number of anti-Semitic incidents in Germany. The federal government has shown an admirable commitment to fighting anti-Semitism, said WJC President Ronald Lauder. As an example he called appointment of Felix Klein as first government representative for Jewish community. Neverless, Germany must make an even greater effort to stop "steady rise of violent incidents and harassment and to ensure that German Jews continue to feel safe and valued."

According to WJC data, number anti-Semitic incidents in first half of 2018 compared to same period 2017 increased by ten percent. From January to June 2018, re were 401 registered anti-Semitic incidents nationwide. 349 of se were committed by people with right-wing extremist tendencies – 80 of which were in Berlin alone. As a result, anti-Semitic incidents in Berlin are as frequent as in any or federal state. Bavaria is ranked second with 43 such offences.

The President of Central Council of Jews in Germany, Josef Schuster, who is also vice-president of WJC, called for introduction of an effective nationwide reporting system for anti-Semitism. The Jewish World Congress represents international Jewish communities in 100 countries to Governments, parliaments and international organizations.

Date Of Update: 12 August 2018, 12:00