President of Federal Agency for Civic Education Calls for Action Against Anti-Semitism in Germany

Thomas Krüger, President of the Federal Agency for Civic Education, is concerned about the anti-Semitic activities in Germany that have emerged in the wake of Hamas’ recent attack on Israel. He calls for a determined fight against anti-Semitism and underlines Germany’s special responsibility in this regard.

Concern about increasing anti-Semitism

Thomas Kruger, President of the Federal Agency for Civic Education, expressed concern about the current anti-Semitic activities in the country in an interview with the “Editorial Network Germany”. According to Krüger, Germany is currently experiencing the largest and most long-lasting public manifestations against Jews in the history of the Federal Republic. “This must worry us as political educators, but also challenge the entire political community to take action against it,” said Krüger. He also emphasized Germany’s special responsibility to deal with this issue.

Civic education as a long-term process

Krüger made it clear that political education cannot have a short-term effect and emphasized: “We are not the fire department and cannot be, especially in such a situation. That would simply overwhelm and discredit political education.” The Federal Center has been campaigning against anti-Semitism for years and is currently providing extensive materials to respond to the new situation.

Anti-Semitism is not just imported

The President of the Federal Center pointed out that anti-Semitism is by no means just an imported phenomenon, but that “the vast majority still comes from the right-wing spectrum”.

Suspension of study trips to Israel

Due to the current situation, the Federal Center is suspending its study trips to Israel, which have been taking place for 60 years, until further notice. This is the third time after the second Intifada and the Corona pandemic. Krüger described the situation as “shocking” and mentioned that some speakers with whom friendships had developed were affected by the events. “Some of our speakers are personally affected by the events, and a speaker we met there just four weeks ago was shot dead in his kibbutz in Kfar Azar,” said Krüger. “This will not leave us unscathed.”