Anti-Semitism at universities: A workshop for more sensitivity

Anti-Semitism at universities: A workshop for more sensitivity

The University of Freiburg has published its annual report for 2024, which documents the effects of international crises on everyday university life. The disputes surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict were also discussed in this context. Controversial and emotional debates broke out, particularly among students. In view of these developments, the University Senate called for an official statement against racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination in February. The university management responded by initiating various formats aimed at promoting respectful dialogue about these controversial topics. As a result of the war in Gaza, exchange formats were created to get the politicization of the campus under control.

A particularly impressive organizational measure was the series of events entitled "Silence, screaming, failure? The difficulty of speaking about the Israel-Palestine conflict in Germany". This series aimed to bring together different perspectives and promote greater understanding. The report also emphasizes that the University continues to develop its diversity structures and offerings to create a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the community. A central project in this context is “protect – protection against discrimination and abuse of power”, which is part of these developments. University of Freiburg reports that....

Anti-Semitism in the context of social changes

Anti-Semitism is an issue in Germany that has not disappeared even after the Holocaust and the end of National Socialism. Although democratization processes led to significant political and cultural changes, anti-Semitic sentiments have regained legitimacy in the last 20 years. According to the Federal Agency for Civic Education, anti-Semitism has become increasingly politically mobilized since the beginning of the 21st century, and open verbal anti-Semitism has increased, particularly through the use of social media. In this context, Israel is often viewed as a central symbol of Jewish life, with hostility to the Jewish state often perceived as anti-Semitic. The Federal Agency for Civic Education describes that....

These facets of modern anti-Semitism are evident not only in extreme political spectrums, but also in the middle of society. The observations made by the Nuremberg Institute for Research on Anti-Semitism confirm that anti-Semitic statements and violence against Jews are often justified with reference to Israel. For example, the BDS movement is considered an example of Israel-related anti-Semitism because it does not discriminate against Jews or Israel and is often accompanied by a call for the destruction of Israel. Bielefeld University declares that....

Modern training formats against anti-Semitism

In view of these developments at universities, the Service Center for Anti-Discrimination Work (SABRA) offers workshops that aim to recognize current forms of anti-Semitism. Participants learn to identify anti-Semitic symbols, codes and statements, and there is an exchange about the perceptions and experiences of Jewish people. These workshops provide important options for action and argumentative aids to actively counteract anti-Semitism. Information about counseling services and contact points for those affected is also provided. The increasing removal of taboos about anti-Semitism, especially in academic contexts, requires a proactive approach to raising awareness and educating people about the problem.