Stephan Kramer to Head New AJC Initiative on Anti-Semitism in Europe

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Jun 18, 2014, 01:13 ET

NEW YORK, June 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC announced today that Stephan Kramer will be appointed to a newly-created position -- Director, European Office on Anti-Semitism.

"The rising tide of anti-Semitism in Europe, which poses a threat to Jewish communities and to the very fabric and fiber of Europe's democratic societies, demands an enhanced AJC response," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "Stephan Kramer has the requisite experience and vision to work closely with AJC's European offices and our many partner organizations throughout Europe -- and thereby to make a difference."

Rabbi Andrew Baker, AJC's Director of International Jewish Affairs, who also serves as the Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), will continue to be centrally involved and work closely with Kramer. AJC's European offices are in Berlin, Brussels, Paris and Rome.

"The beast of anti-Semitism is showing its ugly face again more often and violently than we would have expected in recent months across Europe," said Kramer. "Combating anti-Semitism requires knowledge, networking, diligence and teamwork, together with passion and a deeply-felt sense of commitment. I am honored to join the AJC staff, who have excelled in establishing productive relationships with European governments and Jewish communities, ties that will be essential in our ongoing efforts to combat the scourge of anti-Semitism."

Kramer previously served as Secretary General of the Central Council of Jews in Germany from 2004 until earlier this year, and as the council's Executive Director from 2000 to 2004. He has also served as a press secretary and advisor on policy and government relations for the Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany. Kramer was also previously employed as the chief of staff for three different members of the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag).

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SOURCE American Jewish Committee