On January 20, 2025, around 700 attendees gathered at the Ignatz Bubis Community Center in Frankfurt to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

During the event, Michel Friedman engaged in a discussion with Chancellor Olaf Scholz about the ongoing issue of antisemitism in Germany, just a week before the official observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Key figures at the event included Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Benjamin Graumann from the Jewish Community of Frankfurt, author Michel Friedman, and Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany.

Chancellor Scholz addressed the Frankfurt Auschwitz trial initiated by Fritz Bauer and emphasized the need for stronger protections for Jewish institutions against antisemitic attacks.

He also highlighted the European Union's Digital Services Act aimed at combating online hate speech and promised decisive action against antisemitism.

Acknowledging frustrations from the Jewish community, Scholz admitted that many issues have not been adequately addressed and pledged more resolute action moving forward.

Friedman shared a personal account of loss, revealing that 50 members of his family were murdered by Germans, underscoring the persistent threats to Jewish life in Germany.

Benjamin Graumann expressed disappointment over the increasing sense of insecurity among Jewish individuals in Germany, noting a rise in people withdrawing from public life since October 7, 2023.

Scholz outlined measures to combat antisemitism, including legal actions against supporters of terrorism and stipulations in citizenship laws.

Friedman criticized the government's insufficient response to antisemitism, calling for stronger legal actions against hate speech and a more significant effort to combat the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which he labeled as the 'party of hatred.'

Despite Scholz's assurances, community leaders expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of governmental promises, with concerns that children will inevitably encounter antisemitism.

The discussion concluded with Scholz vowing to combat all forms of hatred and antisemitism, emphasizing that dehumanizing individuals is the start of greater societal issues.