The forum, which was initiated by the Jewish Community of Berlin, consists of Jewish citizens who, through their varied fields of activity, have gained expertise in confronting the phenomena of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.

The forum’s aim is to strengthen democratic institutions and to counter the growing threats of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism in their various forms.

Anti-Semitism is widely regarded as hatred towards Jews, which manifests itself verbally as well as through violence.

Anti-Semitism can also be expressed as anti-Zionism. Rather than placing focus on the “Jew”, the target is the Zionist movement and thus the right of Jews to a homeland. In addition, justified criticism of this democratic state is used to pursue unjust, exaggerated, one-sided positions that defame the State of Israel (based on the OSCE’s “Working Definition of Anti-Semitism”).

The JFDA pursues its aims through education, public relations and cultural projects, and by organising lecture series, conferences and publishing resolutions and other background materials. The forum also strives to work closely together with other institutions and groups that share the goal of fighting anti-democratic and anti-Semitic tendencies.

New members and strategic partners of the forum are elected by the Forum Assembly.

Strengthening democratic institutions and fighting anti-Semitism are among the priorities of the Jewish Community of Berlin.

We support democratic institutions and the cooperation between all the players within civil society whose aim is to protect human rights and the Constitution.

The Board of the Jewish Community of Berlin has appointed Levi Salomon as the honorary Commissioner for Fighting Anti-Semitism. His job is to independently monitor anti-Semitic incidents and tendencies as well as to tackle other anti-constitutional issues regarding human rights violations. The commissioner compiles and evaluates data, informs the public as well as state institutions about the problems and works on winning their support for the implementation of counteractive measures.

The commissioner is also responsible for conceptualising publications, and for maintaining contact with state, social and media institutions in order to sensitise them about reported grievances and encourage them to join in the fight against anti-Semitism.

The commissioner provides immediate help to community members in dealing with anti-Semitic incidents through this toll-free, 24-hour HOTLINE: 0800-8802800.