On November 9: Stand up against anti-Semitism always and everywhere!

“On November 9, 1938, synagogues burned, Jewish homes and businesses were destroyed, Jews were attacked, abused and murdered. Today, 83 years after the November pogroms, there are once again more anti-Semitic attacks and assaults. Last year, the number of recorded anti-Semitic crimes in Germany reached a new 20-year high of 2,428 cases. The number of unreported cases is likely to be significantly higher. According to a study, anti-Semitic attitudes have also increased in the population.

What are the reasons for these developments? Our society is becoming more polarized and radicalized. In an increasingly difficult environment that seems to threaten the standard of living of many, conspiracy myths and enemy stereotypes are finding a breeding ground. As a result, racist, right-wing populist and inhumane statements and hatred in social life and online are on the rise.

What can we do? The new federal government must make the fight against anti-Semitism and racism a higher priority and provide more funding for civil society initiatives and democratic education. This starts with school education and extends to youth policy and media education. And, of course, social justice must be ensured.

Misanthropy is incompatible with our humanist values. The Humanist Association of Germany stands for variety and diversity, for good coexistence for all people and unconditional respect for human rights. We must resolutely oppose group-based misanthropy such as anti-Semitism or racism, we must be vigilant and outraged. We must never get used to misanthropy of any kind!”