Jews have long been suspected of being responsible for the world’s ills. Even today, we continue to find anti-Semitism at all societal and educational levels, across the political spectrum. Everyone can draw from the deep arsenal of anti-Semitic clichés, from conspiracy theories about Jewish world domination or anti-Semitism under the cover of an alleged criticism of Israel to capitalism-bashing, criticism of the “the system” or demands for an end to the German “cult of guilt.”  

The Foundation regularly produces overviews indicating how and where anti-Semitism is appearing today. An online timeline documents anti-Semitic attacks in Germany. With its annual “Weeks of Action against Anti-Semitism,” the Foundation created the nation’s largest campaign focusing on the issue. Local events, touring exhibitions and projects are mounted around the country that illuminate the problem, provide networking opportunities and inspire resistance. For example, young people research the histories of residents in their cities who were forced into exile or murdered in the Holocaust.  

This is vital because in many regions, particularly in the former East Germany, there is little consciousness of how Jewish neighbors were transformed into enemies, excluded and ultimately murdered. The “Weeks of Action” thus draw connections between historical and present-day anti-Semitism.