April 11, 2018 - 4:34 AM
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."
News from © The Associated Press, 2018