Düsseldorf (dpa / lnw) – Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger (FDP) remains anti-Semitism commissioner for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. That was decided by the black-green state government. “The ongoing phase of increased anti-Semitism requires the continuation of this office: in 2021 there was an increase to 437 anti-Semitic crimes in North Rhine-Westphalia. So far this year, 146 anti-Semitic crimes have been counted in the first half of the year,” said the State Chancellery on Tuesday .
Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) said: “I am very grateful to Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger for continuing the office of anti-Semitism officer on a voluntary basis and with her great commitment.” The 71-year-old has done outstanding work and has earned a high reputation both in the Jewish community and in associations and institutions, as well as across party lines. “Anti-Semitism not only threatens people, but also our democracy,” emphasized Wüst.
The former Federal Minister of Justice was appointed in 2018 by the then black and yellow government to be the first anti-Semitism commissioner in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. According to the information, her tasks include coordinating preventive measures to combat anti-Semitism and being available as a contact person for victims of anti-Semitic acts. In addition, she submits an annual report to the state parliament on her work and recommends measures to combat anti-Semitism.
