European Jews Fearful of "New" Anti-Semitism

December 4, 2003

Source: United Jewish Communities--The Federations of North America

http://www.uja.org/content_display.html?ArticleID=96343

On December 4, 2003 the United Jewish Communities--The Federations of North America posted an Associated Press article that reported, "[E]ven in [the city of] Regensburg, in a Germany whose Nazi past has driven it to the most profound acts of atonement, Jews who have fit so well into post-World War II surroundings feel a growing unease....Henryk Broder, a Berliner with Der Spiegel magazine who made waves across Germany with a 1986 book called 'The Eternal Anti-Semite,'...believes the phenomenon of new anti-Semitism is real and growing. He sees a generalized antipathy toward Jews, whatever individuals may feel about the Jewish state or its prime minister, Ariel Sharon. 'This is the globalization of anti-Semitism,' he said. 'What used to be directed at "the Jew" is now directed at "Israel."' ...In Germany, leaders conscious of the past take a tough stance against anti-Semitism, but they face a growing problem. Parliament is preparing a declaration against all forms of anti-Semitism, acknowledging that it is noticeable throughout society, not just in the fringes. The text, which is to be adopted this month, calls on individuals to make it their duty to combat anti-Semitism. German Interior Ministry figures show 1,594 incidents nationwide in 2002, up by 150 from 2001."