Jewish community in Schleswig-Holstein warns against leaving the country

In view of the growing anti-Semitism in society, the managing director of the Jewish Community of Schleswig-Holstein warns against many Jews leaving Germany. “We’re packing our bags,” said Viktoria Ladyshenski in Kiel. "That's the problem." Right-wing extremism is just one of numerous threats to Jews in the country - she is particularly concerned about hatred of Jews caused by left-wing extremism and Islamism.

“This danger must be treated in the same way as right-wing radicalism,” explained Ladyshenski. “And she doesn’t do that in society.” She criticized the fact that many people often took to the streets against right-wing extremism, but not against Islamism. She wanted more solidarity with the Jews in Germany. She emphasized: “The AfD is currently not the biggest threat to the Jewish community.”

With a view to the result of the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, in which the AfD won the most votes by a clear margin, Michael Saitner, managing director of the Paritätisches in the northernmost federal state, added: "One should not underestimate the fact that the AfD, in its structure, is on the verge of being in decisive positions of power."

The party is expected to be represented in the state parliament again after the April election in Schleswig-Holstein. “She has a completely different access to positions of power and will use this access to fight Jewish life,” warned Saitner.