The office of Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism was created in 2018 and is based at the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community. Dr Felix Klein was appointed as the first holder of this office effective 1 May 2018.

The position of Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against antisemitism was created by the Federal Government’s current Coalition Agreement. The post is also a response to the debate over growing antisemitism in Germany and how the federal level can best counter this phenomenon

According to a Bundestag resolution, the Commissioner is to have an independent circle of advisers to be appointed in consultation with the Federal Government, consisting of Jewish and non-Jewish experts from academia, education and civil society

As commissioner for the fight against antisemitism, Dr Klein’s task is to coordinate the relevant measures taken by all the federal ministries. He will also serve as contact person for Jewish groups and organizations, and as a liaison for federal, state and civil society measures to combat anti-Semitism.

The Commissioner will also coordinate a standing joint federal and state commission made up of representatives of the responsible bodies and will provide public information as well as civic and cultural education to increase public awareness of current and past forms of antisemitism.