Illuminate Jewish Lifestyle Once More: Brandenburg's Anti-Semitism Commissioner's Plan
Ordered to Revitalize Jewish Presence: A Mission to Highlight and Reinforce Jewish Culture and Identity - Commissioner advocates for renewed prominence of Jewish culture and practices
Anti-Semitism Commissioner Andreas Büttner of Brandenburg, Germany, is readying a host of new initiatives to combat anti-Semitism, striving to amplify Jewish life in the region. In a conversation with the German Press Agency, the 51-year-old commissioner, who assumed office about a year ago, voiced concerns about the growing momentum of hatemongers when given free rein.
From July 1, Büttner will be supported by two anti-Semitism researchers sharing a position. With this reinforcement, Büttner anticipates launching projects that he's thus far managed alone, revealing, "We aim to make Jewish life visible again."
Projects for Jewish Cemeteries on the Horizon
A kickoff event for the municipal alliance against anti-Semitism assembled by Büttner is set to take place. He explained, "We have varying degrees of maintenance for memorial sites in municipalities with different Jewish cemeteries." Plans include restoring dilapidated Jewish cemeteries, installing commemorative plaques, and offering school visits.
Other undertakings include a "Face Against Anti-Semitism" photo campaign, along with a digital memorial platform where students may research and share stories of Jewish women and men. A voyage to Israel with a group of state parliament members is planned for 2026, provided safety conditions permit.
Büttner represented the Left Party but relinquished his parliamentary tenure following his appointment as commissioner in 2024.
Anti-Semitic Incidents Escalate in Germany
In 2024, Germany witnessed a significant rise in anti-Semitic incidents, with Jewish women and men subjected to insults, threats, and attacks, both on the street and online. These often occurred when people of the Jewish faith wore a Star of David necklace or a kippa—the traditional Jewish head covering.
According to the Federal Association of Research and Information Centers on Anti-Semitism (RIAS), 8,627 anti-Semitic incidents transpired in Germany last year, marking a 77% surge compared to 2023. Most of the incidents can be traced to the right-wing spectrum, though pro-Palestinian demonstrations during the Gaza conflict also contributed to the escalation.
Büttner urged, "It's crucial to criticize the Israeli government for its problematic policies, but Israel's legitimacy must never be denied."
Commissioner Stands Unyielding in the Face of Intimidation
Büttner is conscious of escalating attempts by right-wing extremists to antagonize the LGBTQ+ scene during this year's Christopher Street Days (CSD) events across numerous cities. He underscored the importance of claiming space without surrendering to fear, saying, "Our fighting spirit should be all the more resilient in such situations."
Büttner himself is frequent victim of online threats and slurs, having filed multiple complaints. In 2024, his personal vehicle in Templin, Uckermark was marred with right-wing extremist symbols. Hamburg's Anti-Semitism Commissioner Stefan Hensel had also fallen prey to an alleged anti-Semitic incident in May.
[1] https://www.wiwo.de/wirtschaft/grossbritannien/juden-attacken-ukraine-konflikt-kips-gegen-antisemitismus-steigert-angriffe-bei-israel-konflikt/37107190.ww[2] https://www.zeit.de/gesellschaft/2022-11/antisemitismus-in-deutschland-schrapnell-aus-jahrgang-2041[3] https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/jahresbilanz-antisemitismus-101.html
- Despite the escalating anti-Semitic incidents in EC countries, such as Germany where anti-Semitic acts increased by 77% in 2024, anti-Semitism Commissioner Andreas Büttner of Brandenburg is preparing new initiatives to combat anti-Semitism and amplify Jewish life, assisted by two anti-Semitism researchers.
- As part of these initiatives, Büttner plans to launch projects that focus on restoring dilapidated Jewish cemeteries, installing commemorative plaques, offering school visits, and creating a digital memorial platform for sharing stories of Jewish women and men.
- In addition, Büttner aims to coordinate a "Face Against Anti-Semitism" photo campaign and organize a trip for state parliament members to Israel in 2026, provided safety conditions allow. These efforts are part of a wider policy-and-legislation strategy to combat anti-Semitism and promote general-news about Jewish culture and history.
