SPIEGEL: Mr. Delberg, the number of anti-Semitic attacks is increasing. Just recently, another man was attacked in Berlin for talking to friends in Hebrew. How do you deal with the increasing anti-Semitism?
Delberg: In my circle of friends I constantly hear about such incidents, insults or even physical assaults. And in addition there is the dark figure. I decided to be very offensive and started to wear kippa in public. So far, I have fortunately only positive experiences. Many people approach me and ask questions. Only my family thinks I'm crazy.
SPIEGEL: Because she's worried?
Delberg: Exactly. I also understand that my parents are worried. But wearing the kippa is the right way for me to bring a bit of Jewish everyday life to the streets of Berlin. People just have to get more in touch with Jewish life. In Germany, Jews are always associated with the Holocaust, Israel and anti-Semitism. I want to show that there is also a modern and relaxed Judaism that also eats a Currywurst and celebrates on Friday despite the Sabbath. We Jews do not want to be special. We just want to be part of normality.
SPIEGEL: A few months ago, the anti-Semitism commissioner of the Federal Government advised against carrying Kippa anytime, anywhere because it was too unsafe.
Delberg: The right way against anti-Semitism is not to hide the Jews. We need to lure the anti-Semites out and publicly pillor them. For example, this includes showing every anti-Semitic comment and message on the web. This is also a problem: anti-Semitism is often treated as a trivial offense. People are not afraid of consequences.
SPIEGEL: Do you need tougher penalties?
Delberg: An important step in the fight against anti-Semitism would be to fully exploit the legal possibilities. People need to understand that anti-Semitism is a societal problem. We Jews can not shoulder this all alone.
SPIEGEL: In the state elections, the AfD has become the second strongest force in Brandenburg and in Saxony. How is it for you that a party is so successful whose representatives refer to the Nazi era as the "bird's nest of German history"?
Delberg: The success of the AfD worries me very much. If the AfD implemented all its goals, a normal Jewish life in Germany would not be possible. The Jewish Community has been pointing out for some time that AfD should not be dismissed as a temporary phenomenon. We Jews have learned from history that when such people become more and more popular and reach for power, the alarm bells should ring.
SPIEGEL: How should you counteract this?
Delberg: Many AFD voters have normal existential fears and feel heard by the AfD. You have to talk more with these people, just as Michael Kretschmer did in the election campaign. Politicians need to take people's fears seriously and not dismiss all concerns related to migration as right or racist. With that many people were driven into the arms of the AfD.
SPIEGEL: Is it not personally a contradiction for you to promote the votes of voters who were prepared to at least ignore anti-Semitic statements?
Delberg: Of course, there are AfD supporters who carry racism and anti-Semitism and live it out with the help of the AfD. I do not want to win back these people. But there are also many who do not find a haven in the democratic parties. The AfD appears as the only alternative. And since they do not belong to a minority, the slogans of the AfD also have no impact on their personal lives. These people can and should be regained.
SPIEGEL: At the local level, CDU and AfD have already worked together in some places. What do you think about it?
Delberg: It's really quite simple: There must be no cooperation with the AfD for the CDU. Just how important this attitude is, it is important to make clear to members who are active in local politics. The more acceptance such a party experiences, the easier it can take root in the political landscape. We can stop the rise of the AfD. But that works only if we draw clear boundaries. And that's what the party leadership did as well.
SPIEGEL: What effects does the AfD's success have on the Jewish community?
Delberg: The AfD breaks taboos and tries to redefine the boundaries of the word. I think that's very dangerous. We can observe the effects especially in Jewish institutions. Ten years ago they were already confronted with anti-Semitic hatred, but almost always anonymous. Today, people are rushing with address and full name. That does not matter to them. They just think that's okay. Especially in AFD circles.
SPIEGEL: How often are you confronted with anti-Semitism in your everyday life?
Delberg: Daily. I'm active in several Jewish associations and I get a lot of stuff with that. Some people actually send me letters home. And of course I also get news via Facebook or Instagram: Fuck Israel, all Jews should burn and stuff like that. Jew hatred is very present in my life.
SPIEGEL: Was there a situation in which you were really afraid?
Delberg: multiple. The worst moment was when I got a letter from the police at the beginning of 20 that I and my Jewish Student Union were found on a list of the NSU. They knew who we were. They even knew my address. For the first time I thought that maybe I should withdraw after all. But now I think that hiding is the wrong way. If they want to find you, they'll find you anyway. I think it does not matter which Jewish person you ask in Germany: each one was probably already confronted with anti-Semitism.
SPIEGEL: So Jews can not live in Germany without experiencing anti-Semitism?
Delberg: Anti-Semitism is part of our reality. When we go to our synagogues or schools, we have to go through security gates. Every Jewish child grows up with it. We knew the guards in front of our schools by name. They were part of our lives. Unfortunately, we have not yet reached the point where a Jewish person can lead a completely normal life here. Despite everything, I like to live in Germany. But exactly because I see my home and my future here, I want to change something.