Beware in Thuringia: "Risk escalates that anti-Semitic actions could lead to harm against Jews"
In the heart of Germany, the Jewish community in Thuringia finds itself in a state of heightened anxiety, following reports of a Danish man of Afghan descent being suspected of spying on Jewish people and institutions in Berlin on behalf of an Iranian intelligence agency.
Reinhard Schramm, the chairman of the Jewish state community in Thuringia, expresses deep concern about the growing danger of antisemitism becoming normalized. He notes that Jews in the region feel powerless in the current situation, which is a hurtful sentiment for the community.
Schramm is not alone in his concerns. Milan Andics, the cantor of the Jewish community in Thuringia, states that many in the community, particularly older people, are very afraid. Andics himself has stopped wearing a kippa in public to avoid being easily recognizable as a Jew.
Michael Panse, a board member of the German-Israeli Society in Thuringia, reports an increased police presence at events. He notes that those who support Jews in Thuringia are essentially those who are in contact with them, suggesting a lack of broader public support.
The suspected activities could potentially be used to prepare attacks, a concern that has led to an increased security level in Thuringia, according to Interior Minister Georg Maier. However, he emphasizes that no new threat situation has been reported in Thuringia due to current developments.
The federal and state interior ministries have reinforced measures to protect Israeli and Jewish facilities following the start of the Israeli attack on Iran. Jewish institutions in Thuringia are already protected and guarded by services.
This heightened anxiety among Thuringia's Jewish community reflects broader concerns about safety and security for Jewish people in Europe amid international tensions. While there are no direct testimonies or reports from Thuringian Jews on this issue, we can draw parallels from historical examples.
During the Israel-Iran war in June 2025, Jewish communities in Iran experienced profound fear, isolation, and vulnerability, with arrests and intimidation targeting Jewish religious leaders under suspicion of collaboration with Israel. This situation caused Jews in Iran to stay indoors and sever internet connections to avoid surveillance and potential attacks.
In Germany, political tension involving surveillance and allegations of extremism is mostly focused on right-wing populist parties rather than Jewish communities specifically.
As we navigate these challenging times, it is crucial to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Thuringia and support their safety and wellbeing.
In light of the concerns surrounding a Danish man suspected of spying on Jewish people and institutions, Reinhard Schramm, chairman of the Jewish state community in Thuringia, urges attention towards the growing threat of antisemitism. Similarly, Milan Andics, the cantor of the Jewish community in Thuringia, shares Schramm's fears, mentioning that general-news about potential attacks has led many in the community, particularly older people, to feel powerless and afraid. This heightened fear among Thuringia's Jewish community resonates with the crime-and-justice issues facing Jewish communities in Europe, a stark reminder of the need for politics to prioritize their safety and wellbeing.
