The Baden-Württemberg state government is bolstering the fight against antisemitism with increased funding and personnel.
The cabinet decided to raise the budget for the antisemitism commissioner, Michael Blume, to a total of 200,000 euros in the 2024 budget.
Additionally, it was agreed to create two additional positions within the commissioner’s office, which are expected to be filled this year.
The commissioner’s responsibilities will be expanded to include Jewish life, and Blume’s title will be updated to “Commissioner of the State Government of Baden-Württemberg against Antisemitism and for Jewish Life.”
“We are ensuring that the antisemitism commissioner can further intensify his important work in the future,” justified Minister President Winfried Kretschmann (Green) the decision. “But this mandate is also a mandate for all of us: as a society, we are called upon to stand up for the protection of our democracy. Everyone in our state must understand what antisemitism is, why it threatens the safety of all people, and why we, in Germany, have a historical responsibility – a duty – to fight it.”
