Commissioner: Jewish life in Saxony under threat

The state government commissioner, Thomas Feist, believes that Jewish life in Saxony has been threatened by anti-Semitism since the Hamas terror attack on Israel in 2023. According to his 2024 annual report, the extent of the incidents has "significantly intensified" with the Gaza war. In addition to verbal and written hostility, threats and physical attacks are on the rise. "Anti-Semitism is a constant danger to society."

According to Feist, resentment was directed against people, institutions and symbols, including violence against Jews and their institutions, as well as people who showed solidarity with them. In 2024, incidents were recorded almost daily, most of them in major cities, and public events on Jewish holidays were canceled for security reasons. "The boundaries of what can be said are shifting", with negative effects on the mood in the communities.

"Tacheles 2026" draws attention to Jewish life in Saxony

"Tacheles 2026" - Year of Jewish Culture in Saxony offers an opportunity to honor, research and make Jewish life accessible to the public, according to Feist. It is important to promote Jewish life and its value for the Free State and to promote encouraging developments such as cultural initiatives, encounters, dialog and educational projects. "Saxony would look different without the many Jews who are active here today."

He recommends that the government include the protection and promotion of Jewish life as a state objective in the state constitution, set up an office in Israel or consider establishing a German-Israeli Youth Office in Bautzen. The three Jewish communities in Saxony have around 2,400 members.