Germany’s outgoing antisemitism commissioner has called for stricter laws and mandatory education to counter antisemitism, emphasizing its crucial role in safeguarding societal values.

Felix Klein, Germany’s outgoing antisemitism commissioner, has proposed tightening the nation’s legal framework against antisemitism and adding mandatory training on the subject to teacher education programs. Addressing concerns over the rise of antisemitic incidents, Klein advocated minimum six-month prison sentences for those supporting terrorist groups such as Hamas during public demonstrations. He also suggested immediate deportation for foreign nationals without secure residency status who are convicted of related offenses.

Highlighting the importance of proactive measures, Klein urged more funding for anti-hate initiatives as part of the government’s ‘Democracy Lives’ program. He stressed that fostering awareness of Jewish culture and life should be embedded in school curriculums to promote a broader perspective beyond historical tragedies like the Holocaust or the Israel-Palestine conflict. Additionally, Klein proposed disciplinary consequences for educators who make antisemitic remarks during their teaching sessions.

Klein expressed concern over the potential exodus of Jewish families from Germany should the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party make significant political gains in upcoming state elections. He warned about the dangers of a party partially deemed extremist by German authorities assuming local power. While he noted that global Jewish interest in obtaining German citizenship remains strong, he lamented the decline in the living conditions for Jews within Germany in recent times due to growing antisemitic incidents.