Dusseldorf Appoints Wolfgang Rolshoven as Its Commissioner Against Anti-Semitism

Dusseldorf Appoints Wolfgang Rolshoven as Its Commissioner Against Anti-Semitism

In the heart of Germany, the city of Düsseldorf has been witnessing an unfortunate increase in anti-Semitic incidents. From controversial sports events to overt acts of hatred, the Jewish community in the city has faced a series of challenges.

Amidst this growing concern, Dr. Bastian Fleermann, a prominent figure, has emphasized the need for Düsseldorf to take a more active role in combating anti-Semitism.

Recent events have highlighted this issue, such as the Fortuna Düsseldorf football club's decision to cancel the signing of Israeli striker Shon Weissman, following fan backlash connected to his social media posts about the Gaza conflict. The club's chairman denied any antisemitic intent, stating the decision was made after consultation with Düsseldorf’s Jewish community, aiming to handle the situation carefully without prejudice.

Notable incidents also include a disturbing episode where men in a car sprayed water at Jews wearing traditional Haredi attire, targeting both adults and children. This incident, marked with a clear antisemitic undertone, adds to concerns about rising hostility towards Jews in the city.

In response to these incidents and the broader pattern of anti-Semitism, the city council has established a dedicated position for an Anti-Semitism Commissioner. On July 1, 2025, Wolfgang Rolshoven was officially introduced as Düsseldorf's Anti-Semitism Commissioner.

Rolshoven, a well-respected Düsseldorf resident, enjoys high esteem and trust within the Jewish community and the wider society. He is working on a broad citizens' alliance against Jew-hatred, aiming to include many relevant institutions and associations, churches, trade unions, major clubs, and more.

To facilitate dealing with antisemitic incidents in schools, a round table consisting of the Office for School and Education, the Memorial and Remembrance Site, SABRA, the Jewish Community, RIAS NRW, the Center for School Psychology, the Office of the Mayor, the Crime Prevention Council, and the Office for Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination has prepared a guide. This guide will be presented at all school forms in the fall.

Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller has reiterated Düsseldorf's commitment to opposing hatred, discrimination, and exclusion, stating it as the city's duty. The city, home to the third-largest Jewish community in the Federal Republic, has collected funds to be used for projects and measures against antisemitism and to promote Jewish life in Düsseldorf.

For those affected by anti-Semitic incidents, Rolshoven's email address is [email protected]. Further information about the alliance and its initiatives can be found at www.duesseldorf.de/gegen-antisemitismus.

As the broad citizens' alliance against Jew-hatred continues to take shape, with many institutions and associations still to join, the city of Düsseldorf remains committed to combating anti-Semitism and fostering a more inclusive environment for all its residents.

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