An alarming rise in extreme anti-Semitism in Germany and other European countries, which sharply spiked during the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, must be taken seriously. Nonetheless, it should not be compared with the plight of the Jews during the Nazi period, says Stephan Kramer, director of the American Jewish Committee’s European Office on Anti-Semitism.

Kramer, 46, himself a native of Germany, was in St. Louis this week to meet with AJC’s St. Louis regional chapter and to brief members and leaders on the rise of European anti-Semitism in recent months. 

The Jewish Light on Monday caught up with Kramer, who took up his current post for AJC in July, at the Frontenac Hilton on Monday.

What brings you to St. Louis?

Basically, I am here to get the know the chapter, and I am going to speak to chapter members about Jewish life in Europe and in particular about the challenges we face with growing anti-Semitism.

Many in the know have said that anti-Semitism in Europe today has reached levels not seen since the 1930s after Adolf Hitler and the Nazis came to power in Germany.  Do you agree with that assessment and, if so, why?

If you look at the situation in Europe today, you will see a magnitude of anti-Semitism that we haven’t seen in years. We do have to be very careful not to overconnect it to the Gaza war because before Gaza, we saw the attack on a Jewish school in Toulouse, as well as the attack on the Jewish Museum in Brussels and other [anti-Semitic] incidents [in Europe].

Nevertheless, we have seen eruptions of anti-Semitism, particularly from the Muslim and Palestinian communities, not only this summer, but also in previous years when we have had heightened tensions related to Gaza.

What about the comparisons to the situation as it existed in Nazi Germany?

Comparing the current situation to Europe in the 1930s, I understand why people would make such comparisons. People are afraid of what’s going on, and they are shocked at the levels they see.  When we look at the 1930s, anti-Semitism was coming from the right wing and was also being based on church teachings that were anti-Semitic and supported by the government. That is obviously not something you have today, in Germany or the rest of Europe.  

Jewish communities in today’s Europe are connected to society and live the most prosperous Jewish life we have ever seen in Europe since the 1930s. So we have to be very careful not to draw historical comparisons of that kind. Nevertheless, we have to be very concerned and worried about the incidents we are facing.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, at a Berlin rally against anti-Semitism attended by 4,500 people, said her government would not tolerate anti-Semitism in today’s Germany. Has Merkel’s government matched her strong words with firm action?

(The rally) was sponsored and initiated by the Central Council of German Jews in Germany and supported by a wide variety of groups, like political parties, churches, trade unions and all kinds of associations. It was a strong and very welcomed signal of solidarity. 14 years ago, in 2000 a similar demonstration of solidarity drew 200.000 people to the Brandenburg Gate. It was then called the “uprise of the decent” against anti-Semitism, basically the “good guys” standing up to hatred. One of the problems with all of these wonderful talks and speeches is what happens the day after—what happens tacheles (in practical reality).  As to Chancellor Merkel, there is no doubt that she is a strong supporter both of Germany’s Jews and of the State of Israel.

What sets apart anti-Semitism from other forms of bigotry in Europe?

Anti-Semitism is related to other forms of bigotry, but anti-Semitism is a very unique form of hatred, and we feel it should be treated as such. We say, yes, continue to be concerned about every form of hatred, racism or intolerance, but don’t forget to look at the specifics of anti-Semitism.

What practical steps were taken after these rallies to combat anti-Semitism?

Of importance is the fact that the German government provided substantial amounts of money to fund educational programs to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance [as well as funding victim support groups].

We have seen various programs in the last years come and go. Unfortunately many successful projects, which involved also the Muslim community, were terminated, because of a lack of ongoing funding and administrative hurdles.

We are in talks with the German government about restoring some of the funding. Of course, there is no silver bullet to deal with this problem. It takes a variety of approaches on a sustained basis. In the aftermath of the wonderful rallies and speeches, as pointed out by the AJC’s [Executive Director] David Harris, we have not seen anything major in this regard as an outcome of the true words that Mrs. Merkel spoke. The question is how she is going to put into action her wonderful words. 

What new initiatives would you and David Harris and the Jews of Germany in particular welcome?

Anti-Semitism has been around for centuries, and we do not believe we can ever wipe it from the earth, but we need to contain it so that while it will never be “acceptable,” it can be “livable.” 

Part of our multilayer strategy to fight anti-Semitism across Europe are education programs, to empower Jews and non-Jews to properly identify anti-Semitism and expose and decry it. Our Berlin office developed programs for policemen, teachers and civil servants in Germany, which set standards and should be adopted Europe-wide.

There needs to be more attention to pushing back against this phenomenon, along with ongoing general education programs to combat anti-Semitism at all levels. More training is needed to uncover all kinds of anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance.

When anti-Semitism is found, it must be treated appropriately and must not be covered up. That is why AJC is sending representatives all over Europe to speak out against anti-Semitism in all its forms.