Germany's growing Jewish community is to get more federal funds. A German Interior Ministry spokesperson announced that the annual funds allotted to the Central Council of Jews in Germany would be raised by about €2 million (£1.6m), to total about €5 million (£3.9m).

The council represents some 105,000 Jews who are registered members of congregations. It is estimated that 100,000 Jews remain unaffiliated.

Like Germany's churches, the Jewish community receives federal "religion tax" funds collected on its behalf from congregation members.

But at least 75 per cent of its members are immigrants from the former Soviet Union, and many are low-income, unable to contribute to the very programmes designed to help them integrate. Thus the increase is needed, observers say.

In related news, the contract of council secretary-general Stephan Kramer was renewed until 2015.