Germany confronts rising antisemitism in historic Nazi site discussion
A discussion on tackling antisemitism took place at the Vogelsang IP Documentation Center in Schleiden on Sunday, November 24, 2025. The event brought together politicians, media figures, and local Jewish residents to address the growing issue in Germany. Former WDR director Tom Buhrow moderated the conversation, which included CDU politician Armin Laschet.
The Vogelsang IP complex holds a dark history, having been used for Nazi terror during the regime’s rule. Between 1936 and 1939, over 2,500 individuals were trained there for the Nazi leadership. This backdrop set the stage for a discussion on modern antisemitism, which participants agreed has worsened since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Jewish residents from Aachen shared their experiences, describing fear in openly expressing their identity outside their own community. Laschet and Buhrow both stressed that antisemitism is not limited to political extremes but also exists within migrant groups. They called for stronger education on the Holocaust and contemporary developments, particularly for young people from migrant backgrounds.
The event highlighted recent political efforts to combat antisemitism. In 2024, the Bundestag passed a resolution to strengthen Holocaust education in schools and universities. Proposals included mandatory prevention modules, increased support for memorial visits, and stricter measures against online hate speech using AI. Security authorities and the Zentralrat der Juden have also pushed for tougher action against antisemitism from both right-wing extremists and certain Muslim communities.
An audio recording of the discussion is available on the WDR Studios NRW website until November 24, 2027. The topic will also be featured on WDR Radio’s Aachen and the Region at 6:30 AM and on WDR Television’s Lokalzeit Aachen at 7:30 PM on November 24, 2025.
Education and open dialogue were identified as essential tools in fighting antisemitism. The discussion reinforced the need for concrete measures, including school programmes and legal protections. Authorities and community leaders continue to push for a coordinated response to ensure safety and free expression for Jewish people in Germany.
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