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Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews (archive photo): "Anti-Semitism must not encounter tolerance anywhere or in any form."
Photo:
CLEMENS BILAN v EPA
On the Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27, the Central Council of Jews sees a "frightening level of anti-Semitism" - and calls for swift countermeasures.
The Central Council also includes a democracy promotion law.
"If we want to stop the threatening developments in our society, words must be followed by deeds," said President Josef Schuster in Berlin.
»Anti-Semitism must not encounter tolerance anywhere and in any form.«
January 27 has been a day of remembrance for the victims of National Socialism in Germany since 1996.
It is the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp in Auschwitz in 1945.
Central Council calls for anti-Semitism officers at public prosecutor's offices
The Central Council stated that there had been efforts by politicians and civil society to combat anti-Semitism for years.
These must be implemented quickly.
During the Nazi era, the persecution of the Jews began with words and exclusion and led to the murder of millions of Jews.
"In order to push back anti-Semitism today, all areas of society must work together," said the Central Council.
The required Democracy Promotion Act should strengthen civil society engagement.
Anti-Semitism officers should be appointed to public prosecutor's offices in all federal states.
States and universities would have to quickly implement the amended Judges Act, i.e. compulsory courses on Nazi injustice in legal training.
Teacher training must also be reformed accordingly.
"Above all, Israel-related anti-Semitism must be fought more vigorously than before," demanded the Central Council.
ptz/dpa