The Minister-President of Bavaria, Dr Markus Söder, was the guest of honour at the council meeting of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, held in Munich.
Addressing the delegates, he stated:”Jewish life has a permanent home in Bavaria! The Bavarian State Government and I personally make a clear promise of protection: We protect Jewish life and freedom in all its forms and will consistently oppose any manifestation of antisemitism. Jewish life is part of our everyday life and has a permanent place in our midst. Bavaria stands by Israel: This is not only a moral obligation and a matter of state, but we also share the same values with our Israeli friends. Israel is the only true democracy in the region. We take Israel’s right to self-defence for granted. It was an honour to be here today!”
This marked the second meeting of representatives of Jewish communities since the devastating Hamas terror attacks of 7 October 2023 and the subsequent challenges faced by Jews in Germany. It has been an emotionally charged year in the history of the Central Council of Jews in Germany—perhaps one of the most challenging years, especially for those engaged in representing the Jewish community in the country.
In this context, the council meeting served as a moment of mutual reassurance, strengthening solidarity within the community and fostering the resolve to continue advocating for Jewish interests both publicly and politically.
Dr Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, emphasised the importance of the Council’s political role in representing Jewish interests:
“Jewish life in Germany must not only be visible, but we must also confidently stand up for our interests. Unfortunately, in recent months, we have too often witnessed deliberate attempts to hijack the authority to interpret what is important to Jews.”
The Council Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, meets annually. It is responsible for approving the budget and overseeing the work of the Presidium.
