With anti-Jewish hate crimes by Muslims on the rise in Germany, the leader of the country’s Jewish community says that it may be wise for Jews to hide their identity in public

"Concealing yourself is not the answer… But, the question is whether, in areas with a large proportion of Muslims, in Berlin and elsewhere, it is sensible to be recognized as a Jew by wearing a kippa [traditional Jewish skullcap] or if it isn't better to wear some other form of head covering," Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews, told Berlin’s RBB radio. “I did not imagine this situation five years ago, and I am admittedly, shocked.” Anti-Zionist demonstrations following the IDF’s operation against Gaza during the summer of 2014 descended into anti-Jewish displays on at least several occasions, with Muslim-dominated crowds chanting “Gas the Jews!” and “Jew, cowardly pig, come on out and fight!" There are approximately 5 million Muslims in Germany, and there are more Muslims in Berlin, predominantly of Turkish origin, than Jews in the entire country. Recently, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu called for Jews to return to Israel, following a rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes by Muslims not just in Germany, but in France and other European states.