German Government Commissioner for Jewish Life and the Fight Against Antisemitism Felix Klein has raised concerns about the “open and aggressive” rise of antisemitism in Germany.
In an interview with AFP, Klein highlighted the surge in antisemitic incidents since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, stating, “We have witnessed a tsunami of antisemitism.” He noted that this attack had broken the “dams” that previously contained such sentiments in German society.
Klein pointed out that 2023 saw approximately 5,000 recorded antisemitic crimes in Germany, half of which occurred after the attack in October.
He described the current situation as the most severe wave of antisemitism since 1945, labelling it an “all-time high.”
This rise is particularly concerning, given that October 7 saw the largest number of Jewish casualties since the Holocaust, yet public solidarity with Jews has been less pronounced than expected.
Klein emphasised that this surge in antisemitism occurred before any Israeli response to the Hamas attack, indicating that antisemitism is not directly linked to Israel’s actions.
Although there has been no significant Jewish emigration from Germany, and public trust in security forces remains high, Klein stressed that Jewish life in Germany is under greater pressure than at any time in the history of the Federal Republic.
He called on civil society to ensure that Jews are not blamed for events in the Middle East, reiterating that antisemitism is “a poison to our social cohesion.” Klein also warned of a “complete taboo breach” following the October attack, with antisemitism becoming increasingly accepted in parts of society. He observed that people with pre-existing antisemitic views now express them more openly, as the political climate provides fertile ground for such sentiments.
Klein noted that antisemitism is present not only in far-right circles but also in left-wing and Islamist communities, and is spreading to mainstream society. He stressed the importance of understanding that the conflict between Hamas and Israel is between a terrorist organisation and a democratic state that abides by international law.
Of particular concern to Klein is the formation of alliances between various ideological groups, united in their hatred of Jews and Israel. He pointed out that even movements such as climate activists and certain LGBTQ+ groups downplay the threat of Islamism, which he finds deeply troubling. He called on political leaders to counter this trend with education and, where necessary, legal measures.
Klein praised Germany’s efforts in combating antisemitism, citing progress in law enforcement and legal frameworks, including the nationwide appointment of antisemitism commissioners and the banning of the Islamist group Samidoun. However, he called for greater transparency in the prosecution of antisemitic crimes and urged further improvement in the education and prevention sectors, particularly in light of potential federal budget cuts in 2025.
He also highlighted the worsening discourse at German universities, where aggression and censorship are stifling debate. Klein warned that such “brutalisation” is unacceptable and emphasised that civil society must play a central role in the fight against antisemitism.