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Conference of European Rabbis recognizes German official for fighting antisemitism

Felix Klein has “steadfastly fought against hatred of Jews,” said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.

Felix Klein (right), Germany's federal antisemitism commissioner, and Joseph Schuster, president of the country's Central Council of Jews, arrive to speak to the media in Berlin about the rise of antisemitism in Germany since Oct. 7, Jan. 25, 2024. Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images.
Felix Klein (right), Germany’s federal antisemitism commissioner, and Joseph Schuster, president of the country’s Central Council of Jews, arrive to speak to the media in Berlin about the rise of antisemitism in Germany since Oct. 7, Jan. 25, 2024. Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images.

One of Germany’s top leaders in the fight to protect the Jewish people from hate accepted an award in recognition of his efforts.

On Monday, the Conference of European Rabbis presented Felix Klein, the German federal government commissioner for Jewish life and combating antisemitism, with the Rabbi Moshe Rosen Prize.

Klein said he was “deeply honored” to receive the award, praising the rabbinic group for its “work to ensure that Jewish life in Europe continues to flourish. The CER’s recent move from London to Munich demonstrates their confidence in Germany, a source of pride for us all.”

Nancy Faeser, the German interior minister, said that Klein “has steadfastly fought against hatred of Jews, reflecting our state’s dedication to strengthening Jewish life. The European Rabbinical Conference’s decision to honor him with the Moshe Rosen Prize is well-deserved.”

Pinchas Goldschmidt, president of the rabbinic group and former Moscow chief rabbi, said that few at such government levels “speak out as consistently as Dr. Klein, analyzing, identifying and combating antisemitism and hatred of Jews in all its forms. His efforts are invaluable for Jews in Germany and beyond.”

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