Merkel defends German-Jewish leader fearful of Muslim refugees

Speaking to an interparliamentary conference on combating European anti-Semitism, German Chancellor Angela Merkel says Jews should feel free to express concerns over anti-antisemitism, whether from natives of refugees.

The chancellor defends the president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Josef Schuster, who she said has been harshly criticized for expressing fears about anti-Semitism among new refugees from Muslim lands. More than 1 million people have sought asylum in Germany in the past year.

“It is perfectly legitimate for someone to share his concern,” Merkel said, noting that many refugees “have grown up with certain stereotypes.”

— JTA