German Jews Consider Leaving Amid Rising Far-Right AfD Influence and Antisemitism

Felix Klein, Germany's outgoing commissioner against antisemitism, warned that many Jewish families in Germany are contemplating leaving the country if the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieves significant success in upcoming state elections. In an interview with the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Klein expressed particular concern over the possibility of a party with elements classified as "clearly far-right" gaining political power at the state level. He highlighted a sharp decline in the quality of life for German Jews, citing a record of over 6,000 antisemitic incidents reported last year, coinciding with the October 7 attack and the subsequent war.

Despite these challenges, Klein noted that trust in political leadership remains relatively strong and that many Jews worldwide continue to show strong interest in obtaining German citizenship. As he prepares to leave his post, which he has held since 2018, Klein urged the German government to significantly toughen criminal laws against antisemitism and support for terrorist organizations. He called for prison sentences for public celebrations supporting Hamas and deportation of foreigners involved in such acts.

Klein also recommended granting customs authorities broad powers to prevent terror financing, integrating antisemitism education into mandatory teacher training, and including positive aspects of Jewish life in school curricula. He is set to become Germany's ambassador to the OECD in Paris.