Schwerin (dpa / mv) – The Science Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania calls for consistent action against anti-Semitism in society. Beyond the cases relevant to criminal law, there is a latent anti-Semitism, said Bettina Martin (SPD) on Tuesday in Schwerin at the presentation of the series of events “Standing up to anti-Semitism”. Stereotypes and anti-Semitic images keep popping up, and this should not be tolerated.
With the open events – which are primarily aimed at teachers and student teachers – the University of Rostock wants to contribute to more sensitivity and awareness of the topic in the educational landscape. Eleven events are to take place between October 19 and November 16, according to Gudrun Heinrich, head of the Institute for Politics. The aim is to turn the participants into multipliers. However, Heinrich also made it clear that dealing with the topic was associated with pitfalls. As an example, she cited the boundary between legitimate criticism of Israel’s state actions and Israel-related anti-Semitism: Here it is important not to encourage the narrative “you can’t say anything more here”.
From the point of view of Nikolaus Voss, Commissioner for Jewish Life in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the protest movements of recent years – both against the Corona rules and energy policy – have also provided a breeding ground for anti-Semitic conspiracy myths. As an example, he cited the stereotype of the “globalists” as the cause of the energy crisis or the wearing of the Stars of David with the words “unvaccinated”. According to Voss, the only way to combat anti-Semitism in society is to “educate, meet and fight”. Educational work must start as early as possible, there must be opportunities for personal contact with Jews and anti-Semitism must be “challenged for breathing space”. This requires knowledge, awareness and attitude.
On Tuesday, Martin also referred to current figures on anti-Semitic crimes in the north-east. In the first half of the year, 29 were counted, 6 more than in the same period last year. However, the proportion relevant under criminal law does not reflect the overall picture of anti-Semitism in society. “In our democracy work, we are increasing the focus on combating anti-Semitism,” emphasized the Science Minister. This also includes the anti-Semitism documentation and information center DIA.MV, which will be supported by the state government in the years 2022 to 2024 with 163,500 euros.
