Government officials are advocating for strengthened legal frameworks to combat antisemitism, emphasizing its threat to both the Jewish community and democratic values. Felix Klein, the Federal Government’s Commissioner for Jewish Life and Antisemitism, highlighted the urgency of the issue in a recent interview.
A recently developed five-point plan, spearheaded by a broad coalition dedicated to fighting antisemitism, calls for a more robust response to the problem. Among the proposed changes is legislation to criminalize calls for the destruction of a state, a measure aimed at addressing increasingly prevalent forms of hate speech. A comprehensive review of existing penal code effectiveness in addressing antisemitic offenses is also being considered.
Klein stated that the existing structures and strategies established to fight antisemitism are likely to yield long-term positive effects. He reflected on a significant shift in public awareness since he assumed his role in 2018. While approximately 20% of Germans previously recognized antisemitism as a problem, current estimates indicate that nearly two-thirds now acknowledge its existence and impact. This growing awareness, coupled with proactive measures, offers a foundation for pushing antisemitism to the margins of society.
