The city council group of the Free Voters and the voters’ group “FÜR Karlsruhe” is committed to expanding the anti-racism and anti-discrimination round table to include the topic of anti-Semitism. In a supplementary motion to the draft resolution in the Karlsruhe City Council, the group called for anti-Semitism to be dealt with as a separate issue in the round table’s deliberations. The city administration favorably included the proposal in the round table report. This is what the administration writes in its response:
Anti-Semitism is a particular form of contempt for humanity and is named as such in the measures mentioned in the position paper. A corresponding sentence was added to the position paper. The proposals for the procedure are adopted by the administration.
Administration’s response to the supplementary application submitted by the FW|FÜR city council groups on October 24, 2023
Anti-Semitism can be seen as a form of racism, but it has clearly different dimensions to racism. Nevertheless, both are forms of group-focused misanthropy and deserve equal attention. Measures against anti-Semitism are essential, particularly in the areas of public space, education and schools, especially against the backdrop of current developments in the war in the Middle East and the reactions in Germany. The city council group of the Free Voters and the voter group “FÜR Karlsruhe” is of the opinion that the Antiracism and Anti-Discrimination Round Table must also focus on measures against anti-Semitism, which has already been done in some places. To this end, it may be necessary to discuss the topic in a subdivided committee of the Round Table with the stakeholders concerned or entrusted with it.
“We need to focus on anti-Semitism as an issue in its own right and take appropriate measures,” emphasizes Friedemann Kalmbach, Chairman of the parliamentary group. “Especially in times when anti-Semitic incidents are on the rise, it is important that we as the city of Karlsruhe send a clear signal and take an active stance against anti-Semitism. We welcome symbolic acts such as the raising of the Israeli flag. The next step is to put dealing with anti-Semitism on the agenda.”
The city council group “Freie Wähler” and the voter group “FÜR Karlsruhe” would like to make a contribution to combating anti-Semitism with this motion.
City and district vigil
On Friday, October 27, the city of Karlsruhe and the district are calling for a vigil at 4 p.m. on the market square. More information on the website of the City of Karlsruhe.
Questions & Answers
Anti-Semitism is a form of racism, but has specific dimensions that differ from racism. It is important to treat anti-Semitism as a separate issue and to take appropriate measures to counteract this form of group-based misanthropy.
Measures against anti-Semitism are essential, particularly in the areas of public space, education and schools. Targeted measures can be taken here to counteract anti-Semitic incidents and raise awareness of this issue.
The city council group of the Free Voters and the voters’ group “FÜR Karlsruhe” proposes that the topic of anti-Semitism be discussed in a subdivided committee of the Round Table with the actors concerned or entrusted with it. This enables a targeted discussion of the topic.
