Thuringia Monitor 2024: Alarming increase in anti-Semitism discovered!

Thuringia Monitor 2024: Alarming increase in anti-Semitism discovered!

The current results of the Thuringia Monitor show alarming developments regarding racism and anti-Semitism in Thuringia. Christian Schaft, chairman of the Die Linke parliamentary group in the Thuringian state parliament, commented on the results of the report and described them as a clear mandate for action. In his government statement, Schaft calls on the state government to take decisive action against ethnic ideologies and the roots of dissatisfaction with democracy. He sees the responsibility of politics and society in questioning their own role in the overall social mood, especially with regard to migration and satisfaction with democracy.

It quickly becomes clear that Schaft is missing concrete measures. He criticizes the lack of clear steps by the state government and emphasizes the need for binding measures in all areas of life, especially in schools, administrations, the police and the judiciary. These measures are intended to protect the population from extreme right-wing and ethnic ideologies and to strengthen the rights of victims of right-wing and anti-Semitic violence.

Anti-Semitism in focus

Prime Minister Mario Voigt (CDU) also addressed the growing anti-Semitism and expressed concern about the results of the Thuringia Monitor 2024. According to Voigt, new anti-Semitism often disguises itself as criticism of the state of Israel. The study shows an increase in all three forms of anti-Semitism compared to the previous year. What is particularly frightening is the increase in support for secondary anti-Semitism, which rose from 39 to 48 percent. This form of anti-Semitism involves the trivialization of the crimes of National Socialism.

Voigt found that Israel-related anti-Semitism also increased by eleven percentage points. This development is seen in the context of the critical perception of Israel's military action after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He reiterated the government's goal to decisively address the threats and to prove that state institutions, such as schools and the health system, are functioning well. “Our democracy is alive, but it is not without worries,” said Voigt.

Implications and challenges

Christian Schaft appeals to political actors to support the measures taken with a master plan against extreme right-wing and ethnic ideologies. The application he submitted provides, among other things, support for authorities. The context of the debate is particularly important as society and the political landscape in Thuringia are becoming increasingly polarized. Schaft emphasizes that active economic policies are also needed to support democracy and reduce social tensions.

Overall, the current results of the Thuringia Monitor show a worrying trend in society. Both Schaft and Voigt emphasize the urgency of measures to counteract the rise of racism and anti-Semitism. While the political discussions continue, the question of practical implementation and the determination of the actors remains at the forefront.

The details from the Thuringia Monitor and the statements from Schaft and Voigt can be found on the respective pages of The left and MDR be read.