BERLIN — The German government has given its backing to a new definition of anti-Semitism intended to inform the work of schools, police, and courts.
During the last Cabinet meeting before Sunday’s national election, Chancellor Angela Merkel and her ministers expressed support for a definition of anti-Semitism that includes attacks against religious institutions, the state of Israel, and non-Jews attacked for
anti-Semitic reasons.
Officials say the decision has no immediate legal implications but signals ‘‘that the German government strongly supports the fight against anti-Semitism at all levels.’’
The European Jewish Congress applauded Wednesday’s decision, which follows similar moves by Britain, Austria, and Romania.
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The nationalist Alternative for Germany party, some of whose members have expressed anti-Semitic views, is expected to enter Parliament Sunday.