Israel’s ambassador to Germany has called on German authorities to take more action against anti-Semitism across the country – not just in certain neighbourhoods in Berlin.
Berlin’s police chief, Barbara Slowik, had recently warned Jews about anti-Semitism, saying they should be extra careful in certain city neighbourhoods with a heavy Arab population. She said Berliners who are openly gay also need to take precautions in these neighbourhoods.
“There are areas where someone with a kippah must be cautious,” she told the Berliner Zeitung.
Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor said the problem is not just in parts of Berlin.
“Jews are afraid to travel alone on the S-Bahn or U-Bahn or to speak Hebrew on their mobile,” he said, referring to the local regional trains and the underground.
“Jewish students have told me that they only go to the toilet in pairs at university.” He stated that this should not be considered normal.
“The whole country has a responsibility here.”
Barbara Slowik, Chief of Police of Berlin, speaks at the press conference to present the police crime statistics and politically motivated crime 2023 in Berlin. Hannes P Albert/dpa