With this open letter we turned to the Federal Minister of the Interior, Horst Seehofer. In a series of articles and commentaries Klein was sharply attacked. He was denied being suited to his task. We see this differently! Here is our letter:Dear Federal Minister,
we are writing you this open letter on behalf of the signatory organisations.
Since the Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism, Dr Felix Klein, is currently being attacked once again from circles that are in part all too familiar, we feel compelled to turn to you.
Dr Klein is, as before, an outstanding appointment for this post. Not only does he carry out his duties with pronounced expertise, we equally value him for his high level of personal commitment. The Bundestag resolution of January 2018, which describes his duties, expressly refers to contact with Jewish civil society.
We can confirm on behalf of us all that this contact is vital and that he is readily available for our concerns. He thereby unites both the needs of those affected by antisemitism – us – and the professional and political aspects of the fight against antisemitism. From our Jewish circles of friends and communities too we hear much positive resonance regarding Dr Klein’s work both against antisemitism and for Jewish life in Germany.
Anyone who seriously combats the whole complex of “antisemitism” and does not focus only on the easily recognisable, obvious antisemitism must be prepared to get down to the nitty-gritty. Dr Klein does this and thereby unfortunately also provokes resistance among those who dislike this necessary approach. Please do not let this unsettle you. We support him and his work and take this opportunity expressly to thank him for it.
Yours sincerely
Dr Elio Adler
Chairman WerteInitiative e.V.
on behalf of:
Amadeu Antonio Stiftung
DEIN – Demokratie und Information e.V.
Honestly Concerned e.V.
Jehi ‘Or – Jüdisches Bildungswerk für Demokratie – gegen Antisemitismus gUG (JBDA)
Jüdische Gemeinde zu Berlin KdöR
Jüdische Studierendenunion Deutschland (JSUD)
Jüdisches Forum für Demokratie und gegen Antisemitismus e.V. (JFDA)
JuFo – Junges Forum Deutsch-Israelische Gesellschaft e.V.
Makkabi Deutschland e.V.
Mideast Freedom Forum Berlin e.V.
Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME und SPME-Germany)
WerteInitiative – jüdisch-deutsche Positionen e.V.
