Israel Embassy Attack in Washington Sparks Calls for Enhanced Security in Germany
Following the deadly attack on Israeli embassy staff in Washington, Germany’s Federal Government’s Antisemitism Commissioner, Felix Klein, has called for improved security measures for Jewish institutions in the country.
“It is to be feared that such acts will have imitators, even on our streets” Klein told the Funke Media Group (Friday editions). “As a society, we should be sensitized and the security measures for Jewish institutions should be strengthened in Germany as well.”
Many indicators point to an antisemitic motivation behind the Washington attack, Klein emphasized. “This once again shows the deadly dimension of Israel-related antisemitism. It always leads to Jews worldwide becoming the target of violent hatred.”
Meanwhile, the German Police Union (GdP) is demanding consequences for the protection of Jewish people in Germany and more police officers. “Such incidents have an immediate impact on the police’s assessment of security measures for Jewish institutions in the Federal Republic” said GdP Chief Jochen Kopelke to the Rheinische Post (Friday edition).
Kopelke called for more police officers and stronger security authorities. “The government must present a fully financed strategy to combat extremism in order to change such devastating and dangerous developments.” In particular, measures to counter radicalization through smartphones and violent crimes must be implemented immediately. The judiciary must also react.
“With a special focus on the growing antisemitism in Germany, it is necessary to have swift and harsh court verdicts” Kopelke said. In Washington, two Israeli embassy staff members were shot dead, including a German-Israeli citizen, prior to the incident.