Controversy over Anti-Semitism Commissioner: DIG Saar, Youth Forum urge repercussions following questionable gathering
In the heart of Saarland, Germany, Roland Rixecker, the anti-Semitism commissioner, has found himself at the centre of a storm of criticism and controversy. The controversy stems from his participation in an event organised by "Students for Palestine" and "SDS Saarbrücken" on the 9th of July 2025 at the University of Saarland.
The German-Israeli Society (DIG) Saar and the Young Forum of DIG Saar have expressed their disapproval, with the Young Forum stating that an official for Jewish life who claims to be 'neutral' but legitimises anti-Israel actors is not helpful. The Network of Jewish Professors has also joined the chorus of criticism, accusing Rixecker of a lack of professional responsibility and expertise.
Eric Barth, chairman of DIG Saar, further criticised Rixecker's moderation of the event, stating that it legitimises anti-Israel activism and presents it as "normal and unproblematic". The discussion about the role and responsibility of anti-Semitism commissioners in dealing with Israel-critical positions has been further intensified in Saarland.
The event, according to DIG Saar, presented a one-sided and uncontextualized narrative of an alleged "genocide in Gaza", without discussing or clearly naming Hamas' responsibility. The Amnesty report on which the event was based is "juristically and contentiously controversial".
Hannah Akgül, a board member of the Young Forum, stated that Rixecker's actions are a burden for Jews and those fighting against anti-Semitism in Saarland. The Young Forum of DIG Saar believes that events serving one-sided narratives and ignoring anti-Semitic tendencies should not be legitimized by an official office fighting against anti-Semitism.
As of now, there have been no official reports of Rixecker's resignation or removal from the position, but the situation remains tense, with ongoing scrutiny from both media and political actors. For the latest developments, monitoring regional news outlets from Saarland and statements from relevant Jewish community organizations or Saarland authorities would provide the most current updates.
Politics in Saarland, Germany, have been turbulent following Roland Rixecker's participation in a controversial event organized by Students for Palestine and SDS Saarbrücken. His neutrality as anti-Semitism commissioner is questioned, as he legitimized anti-Israel actors, according to the German-Israeli Society (DIG) Saar and the Young Forum of DIG Saar. Additionally, General News and Crime & Justice outlets have reported on the ongoing disputes, with accusations of lack of professional responsibility and expertise, legitimizing anti-Israel activism, and ignoring anti-Semitic tendencies, all in relation to the war-and-conflicts discussion about alleged "genocide in Gaza" at the University of Saarland.
