Germany appoints commissioner to fight anti-Semitism

BERLIN – Germany has appointed a career diplomat as its commissioner to co-ordinate government activities against anti-Semitism, a new job that reflects rising concerns over the issue.

The government said Wednesday that Felix Klein, the foreign ministry’s co-ordinator for relations with Jewish organizations since 2014, will take office May 1. He will be based at the Interior Ministry.

Germany’s parliament voted in January to install an anti-Semitism commissioner. The decision followed a recommendation by a panel of experts and came amid concerns over anti-Semitic incidents during pro-Palestinian protests and in schools. Officials are also worried about migrants’ attitudes toward Jews as well as anti-Semitic crimes with far-right motives.

The World Jewish Congress welcomed Klein’s appointment to the job, saying he is “without a doubt the best choice for the position.”