German chancellor admits ‘many Jews do not feel safe in our country’

Ms Merkel claimed education and dialogue were the best means of preventing hateful acts, but in cases where that is insufficient, the full force of the law must be applied.

She claimed the German government was taking steps to protect Jews, including improving security at Jewish facilities and appointing an antisemitism tsar.

The Central Council of Jews in Germany was formed in 1950 to represent the interests of Jews living in the country, and is affiliated to the World Jewish Congress.

At the same event, Council president Josef Schuster reportedly noted a rise in anti-Jewish conspiracy theories, which had resurfaced during the coronavirus pandemic. “The Nazis’ ideas have still not disappeared,” he said.