Conversation with Dr. Christian Funke - From Berlin to Toronto: Lessons from Germany’s Fight Against Antisemitism

Rabbi Louis Sachs sits down with Dr. Christian Funke, advisor to Germany’s Federal Commissioner for Jewish Life and the fight against antisemitism, for a frank conversation about where government action matters—and where it reaches its limits. Drawing on Germany’s post October 7 response, legal approaches to hate speech, campus accountability, and initiatives that foster Jewish visibility, they explore what protects communities, what builds empathy, and what Canada might learn.Dr Christian Funke serves as personal advisor to the Federal Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism, Dr Felix Klein. He previously held the position of policy officer at the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, where his responsibilities included Jewish communities, churches and religious affairs. He holds a doctorate in Religious Studies. Before entering public service, Dr Funke was active in academia with a focus on Religious and Islamic studies, and spent extended periods living in Iran and Israel..Torah Outside the Box is a podcast where Rabbi Louis Sachs shares sermons, stories, and reflections that bring Torah beyond the walls of the synagogue.Follow Rabbi Sachs on Instagram - @rabbisachs or www.rabbisachs.com