Berlin, Germany, October 19, 2006 ... In reiterating a commitment to fighting anti-Semitism and extremism, Dr. Wolfgang Schaeuble, the German Minister of Interior, said he would utilize the expertise of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to that end.
"We are concerned about rising extremism and anti-Semitism in Germany and we confront this danger with the greatest sense of urgency," Dr. Schaeuble told a leadership delegation of the ADL in Berlin. He noted xenophobia and the Internet among major causes fueling extremism.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director said, "We are confident of the commitment of the Minister to use all resources at his disposal to fight extremism and anti-Semitism and confront the dangers facing democracy."
Dr. Schaeuble and Mr. Foxman agreed that their organizations would cooperate in various ways including training and education programs for law enforcement, working with NGOs, and extremism on the Internet.
German officials who participated in the meeting included Dr. Joachim Steig, Director General for Internal Security, Ministry of the Interior, Gunther Krause, Director General, Police Department, Ministry of the Interior and Dr. Markus Kerber, head of Policy Planning of the Ministry. The delegation from the ADL included Barbara B. Balser, National Chair and Glen Lewy, Development Chair.
