Steinmeier speaks out against antisemitism on pogrom anniversary

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed dismay at antisemitic incidents in Germany during a commemoration at the Buchenwald memorial. He said he was angry that antisemitic crimes had reached a record high since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, and that synagogues needed greater protection.

Steinmeier called for opposition to anti-Jewish hatred, whether it comes from the political right or left, mainstream society or Islamism.

The Nazi-organised November pogroms of 1938 targeted Jews and Jewish institutions, and around 30,000 Jews were sent to concentration camps.