Anti-Semitism is showing its ugly grimace again in Germany.
Charlotte Knobloch sees fears and worries in young people in particular.
In their opinion, the network also plays a major role.
Munich - Charlotte Knobloch (88) and Jewish life in Munich are inseparable.
Since 1985 she has been president of the Israelite Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria (IKG).
Knobloch is an honorary citizen of her hometown and holder of the Great Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic.
She works tirelessly for the reconciliation of Jews and non-Jews.
At the beginning of the year she gave a speech in the Bundestag on the occasion of the memorial service for the victims of National Socialism.
In the course of the corona pandemic and the newly flared up Middle East crisis, anti-Semitic incidents are increasing.
We spoke to the President of the IKG about the state of the Jewish community in difficult times.
Interview with Charlotte Knobloch: "I never believed that anti-Semitism would reappear in this form"
Ms. Knobloch, the previous week the state parliament passed a resolution to decisively combat anti-Semitism. Are you happy about this political signal or sad that such a self-evident commitment is still necessary today?
I've wished for that over the years.
Anti-Semitism must be fought across party lines.
In this regard, I now feel the firm support of all democratic parties.
You could hear that in all the speeches.
That made me particularly happy when one can speak of joy at all in these times.
What has to happen for this resolution to come to life in practice?
There was a clear joint commitment by all parties to the State of Israel in the Bavarian state parliament.
And it was emphasized that Judaism also has a home in this country in a democratic environment.
I hope that action will follow from this.
You witnessed the Nazi terror and survived the Holocaust, you know Munich in the post-war period and the development of Jewish life up to modern times. Why does anti-Semitism keep coming up?
Anti-Semitism was not invented in Germany, it exists all over Europe.
He was never defeated, that was clear.
But I never believed that anti-Semitism would reappear in this form and that hatred against Jewish people and the State of Israel would be shouted out during demonstrations to great applause from those present.
You never had the hope that it would be over at some point?
No.
Anti-Semitism has shown itself again and again in the course of history in its ugly grimace.
Even after 1945 it was still present to a greater extent - among the people of the past.
Knobloch warns of Nazi ideologies: "Quiet anti-Semitism that certain parties then promoted"
The Nazi ideology was still anchored in many minds ...
... very intense.
A quiet anti-Semitism that certain parties then promoted and that had a negative impact on Jewish life in Germany.
That went on for decades - until recently.
What touched us very much was also the circumcision debate because it attacked the Jewish religion.
The subject has fallen over us like an avalanche.
The constant anti-Semitic incidents mainly concern younger people who want to start a family. "
Charlotte Knobloch
Insults, threats and violence against Jews in Bavaria increased sharply in 2020. Was our democracy already more stable?
It is under very strong attack, including in the lateral thinker demos.
There is a lot of sedition that is not legally punished.
This issue burdens Jewish people.
There is also a lot of agitation on the Internet with impunity.
Some of our congregation are concerned about their future in Germany because of this threatening situation.
Hardly anyone dares to take to the streets with clothes or jewelry that could visually provide information about their Jewish origin.
Until a few years ago, that wasn't such a big problem.
So are the members of your ward concerned?
Absolutely.
The constant anti-Semitic incidents are of particular concern to younger people who are starting a family or making a living.
You ask yourself whether you want to continue to live here.
Or emigrate to Israel?
Or any other European country where these things are not so important.
But, as I said, I consider the resolution of the state parliament to be a big step.
Unfortunately, I cannot transfer my optimism to everyone.
Many see the corona pandemic as a fire accelerator for prejudice. They also?
There were attacks before that too.
And with the AfD, a party that has attracted attention with anti-Semitic statements since it was founded.
At first it was thought that the AfD was disappearing as quickly as the pirates.
But unfortunately that is not the case, although there is nothing to be seen in its party program with which it deserves to rise in the favor of the population.
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Charlotte Knobloch in conversation with editor Klaus Vick.
© Oliver Bodmer
In the wake of the renewed Middle East conflict, there are also increased demonstrations against Israeli politics in Germany. This phenomenon is not new.
I've also seen it differently.
During the Six Day War, many people gathered on Königsplatz and took to the streets for Israel.
That was one of the most beautiful events that I have experienced.
Times were different in that respect.
And Israel's situation has not changed.
It is still a country that is surrounded by enemies and wants to live in peace with its neighbors.
Knobloch: Socialization with hatred of Jews "Fact that cannot be concealed" - allegations also against Erdogan
In view of the current demos in Germany, some speak of an "imported problem" of anti-Semitism by migrants. What do you think of this view?
You have to analyze that more deeply.
The State of Israel does not actually exist in many Muslim countries.
One speaks of a Jewish state, but the word Israel does not exist.
The young people are often socialized with hatred of Jews.
Accordingly, there is little understanding of Jewish life in this country.
That is a fact that cannot be concealed.
And what is almost worse: The Turkish President Recep Erdogan * is also doing his bit with his hate speech to stir up hatred of Israel.
How often are members of the Jewish community in Munich confronted with anti-Semitic abuse?
There are always minor and major attacks.
We don't even report a lot of offensive letters.
You know, you've watched this go on for far too long.
And the Internet is not under legal control.
It is a platform on which one can specifically spread hatred.
I think the network is the biggest problem.
We need laws to regulate these things and, if necessary, to ban them.
Munich's urban society has repeatedly opposed extremists in recent years. How comfortable do you feel today in the city that you would have loved to leave after the war?
I am an optimist.
I hope that in six months we can talk about other things again.
I am also an optimist because I get a lot of positive responses.
People who show their solidarity with the Jews and encourage us.
I would also like to express my thanks to the population.
There was no such thing in Munich in the past - that people think of us in such difficult times.
Ms. Knobloch, as a tireless fighter against anti-Semitism - formulate your lifelong dream.
Normality - which is probably a long way off, if it ever happens at all.
That people see each other as human beings.
That people don't look at the color of their skin, their origins, their religion or the language.
This normality has never existed before.
That we still experience them is my lifelong dream.
Interview: Klaus Vick
