Germany’s Special Envoy on Antisemitism, Felix Klein, is advocating for strengthened legal frameworks to more effectively address antisemitic acts. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post”, Klein emphasized the development of a five-point plan by a broad coalition dedicated to combating antisemitism, highlighting its perceived threat not only to the Jewish community but to the stability of democracy itself.
The proposed plan includes consideration of criminalizing calls for the destruction of a state, reflecting a desire to more directly confront extremist rhetoric. Furthermore, Klein stressed the need for a comprehensive review of existing laws to ascertain their efficacy in prosecuting antisemitic offenses.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Klein expressed optimism regarding the long-term impact of the structures currently in place to combat antisemitism. He pointed to a significant shift in public awareness as a key accomplishment. Since Klein assumed his role in 2018, the proportion of Germans who recognize antisemitism as a problem has risen dramatically, from 20% to nearly two-thirds. This increased awareness, he believes, provides a foundation for gradually relegating antisemitism to the margins of society.