The Central Council of Jews and the Green Party have expressed positive reactions to the planned appointment of Katharina von Schnurbein as the Federal Anti-Semitism Commissioner. This nomination is scheduled to be decided by the cabinet on Wednesday.
Josef Schuster, the Chairman of the Central Council of Jews, told the “Tagesspiegel” that Von Schnurbein possesses an excellent international network built over eleven years of her work as Anti-Semitism Commissioner for the European Commission. He noted that she commands considerable respect within the Jewish community. “I have known her for many years,” Schuster said. “I consider Katharina von Schnurbein to be an outstanding candidate, both personally and professionally.” He expressed confidence in her ability to meet the increasingly challenging task of combating rising anti-Semitism. In her time in Brussels, she was instrumental in developing numerous initiatives aimed at fighting anti-Semitism and strengthening Jewish life.
The Green Party also supports the planned appointment. Marlene Schönberger, a politician in the Ministry of the Interior, had previously advocated for the role to be filled promptly. Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel,” Schönberger welcomed the Interior Minister’s decision to proceed with the appointment, praising the selection of a woman with significant expertise for the position. She added that Von Schnurbein has been known since at least 2015 for her close collaboration with Jewish communities across Europe. “I have complete faith that Katharina von Schnurbein is the right person for this office.”
