An unbureaucratic measure: there is no budget item for it in the current budget of the State of Berlin; nevertheless, the Senate appointed an antisemitism commissioner a few months ago. Mr Lorenz Korgel coordinates the state’s measures against hatred of Jews across departments. In conversation with our member Susanne Stephan and Elio Adler, he reported his wish to receive input for his work from the Jewish community. We outlined to him our approach of “consistent politics”, which demands that the reference to free and democratic values runs recognisably through all political fields: from funding policy to cultural policy, from foreign policy to the mayor’s appointment diary, everything has a meaning in this context. Countering those who hate Jews with nothing but a “never again” is not enough. A strong social consensus is needed on “what” a society stands for. Then the fight against antisemitism is automatically a positive side effect.
Mr Korgel holds the office of antisemitism commissioner only on an interim basis. Budget negotiations are currently under way, in which the Berlin parliamentary groups must agree on a new post. We would like this new post not only to be designed to be capable of acting and rich in competences, but also to be broadly equipped in terms of its staffing. A commissioner needs staff in order to be able to fulfil his or her tasks.
