Amid the wave of antisemitism in Europe: Minister Sa'ar meets with German commissioner

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with Katharina von Schnurbein, the German government commissioner for Jewish life and the fight against antisemitism, and congratulated her on her new role. The two discussed the antisemitic wave in Europe and the demonization of Israel.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met today (Thursday) with Katharina von Schnurbein, the German government commissioner for Jewish life and the fight against antisemitism, and congratulated her on assuming her position. Sa'ar wrote in a post on his X account that von Schnurbein is a friend of Israel and the Jewish people, who led important initiatives during her tenure as the European commissioner for combating antisemitism. The two discussed the antisemitic wave in Europe and what Sa'ar defined as "the new antisemitism embodied in the delegitimization and demonization of Israel." Sa'ar emphasized that Israel sees the German official as a partner and looks forward to continued close cooperation. The German government approved von Schnurbein's appointment on October 14, and she assumed the role on October 28. Previously, she had served since December 2015 as the European Commission's coordinator for combating antisemitism. Upon taking office, von Schnurbein said in an interview that Germany has reached a point not seen since the Holocaust, and that those who make antisemitic statements no longer fear consequences.