**Jewish Community Faces ‘Extremely Limited’ Quality of Life in Germany Amid Rising Anti-Semitism**
The German government’s anti-Semitism commissioner, Felix Klein, has reported that the quality of life for Jews in Germany has sharply declined over the past two years of the Gaza conflict. Klein expressed shame over the limited conditions Jewish people face, noting that they fear wearing Jewish symbols and must hide their identities, such as ordering pizza under fake names, to avoid abuse. The commissioner also highlighted record levels of anti-Semitic crimes in Germany since the conflict began, urging against hatred and violence against Jews. Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed these concerns, calling for unity to ensure Jews can live in Germany without fear.
Klein’s remarks coincided with the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages. The Israeli military response in Gaza has led to over 67,000 deaths and 170,000 injuries according to Palestinian health authorities, sparking global protests, including in Germany. A UN commission recently described the situation in Gaza as ‘genocide.’
In June, the Federal Research and Information Point for Antisemitism (RIAS) reported a near doubling of anti-Semitic incidents in Germany, with 8,627 cases of violence, vandalism, and threats against Jews in 2024 compared to 4,886 in 2023. Klein emphasized that while Germans have the right to protest against the Israeli military operation, such protests should not fuel hatred or violence against Jews. Merz called on the public to unite to ensure Jews can live in Germany with confidence and without fear, reflecting on Germany’s post-World War II heritage of ‘Never again.’
The situation has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the Jewish community in Germany. Many Jewish residents have reported feeling increasingly vulnerable and targeted, with incidents of harassment and discrimination becoming more frequent. Klein’s comments highlight the deepening impact of the Gaza conflict on the perception and treatment of Jews within Germany. As anti-Semitic attitudes continue to rise, the government faces mounting pressure to address the underlying causes and ensure the protection of its Jewish citizens.