The Central Council of Jews in Germany has called on the German government appoint a commission against discrimination, racism and anti-Semitism. There are currently many different departments at the federal, state and local level deal with the problem.

Stephan J. Kramer, the council's general secretary, told the German daily Hessischen/Niedersächsischen Allgemeinen that there is no effective coordination between the levels of government in the fight against right-wing extremism.

"There needs to finally be a commissary against discrimination, xenophobia and anti-Semitism," Kramer said. "Then perhaps there will be someone who feels responsible."

Many people have no idea what anti-Semitism is, Kramer added, and he said he believes a commissary would help with that.

The former president of the Central Council Ignatz Bubis claimed the best way to avoid anti-Semitism is to get to know a Jew. However Kramer isn't so sure.

"I will admit that the Jewish community isn't always very good at communication, but it isn't just about personal contacts," he said.