Warning issued about endorsing Israel, despite dislike for Netanyahu - Support for Israel urged, despite distress over Netanyahu's leadership by Schuster
In the heart of Berlin, the Jewish Museum played host to a significant gathering on Wednesday. The Central Council of Jews in Germany, an organisation representing the political, societal, and religious interests of the Jewish community, invited around a thousand guests from politics and society to a Rosh Hashanah reception.
Rosh Hashanah, marking the beginning of the new Jewish year 5786, was an occasion to celebrate, but it also served as a platform for a serious discussion. Josef Schuster, the president of the Central Council, used the occasion to address the growing issue of anti-Semitism in Germany.
Schuster decried the increasing anti-Semitism, particularly after the radical Islamic Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. He emphasised that anti-Semitism is not just a problem for the Jewish community, but a threat to society as a whole. Jews, he stated, are seen as a seismograph of a society.
Schuster highlighted that anti-Semitism is not confined to the extreme right, left, or Islamic spectrum, but has now penetrated directly into the center of German society. It is present on the streets, in classrooms, at universities, and on social media.
Despite the sombre tone, Schuster urged continued support for Israel, regardless of the current prime minister. He emphasised that moments of weakness for Israel are often exploited by its hostile neighbouring states and terrorist organisations. Germany, he stated, must not waver in its support for Israel's security.
Schuster also highlighted several milestones in the Council's work, including the conclusion of the state treaty on Jewish military chaplaincy in 2019, the appointment of the first military rabbi, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, in 2021, and the scheduled opening of the Jewish Academy in Frankfurt am Main in 2026.
Solidarity with Israel is a repeated part of Germany's state raison d'être. Schuster's call for continued support for Israel underscores the deep-rooted commitment of Germany to its ally. As anti-Semitism continues to be a concern, it is clear that the fight against it remains a priority for the Central Council of Jews in Germany.
It is becoming more uncomfortable for Jews in Germany due to the growing anti-Semitism. Schuster's address serves as a reminder that the fight against anti-Semitism is not just a Jewish issue, but a human rights issue that concerns us all.
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