FAU launches project to combat anti-Semitism in schools!

FAU launches project to combat anti-Semitism in schools!

On July 23, 2025, the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) announced the start of the comprehensive joint project “Dis_Ident”. This project aims to promote anti-Semitism prevention in schools. With funding of 9.5 million euros provided by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), FAU, supported by several German universities, is setting new standards in political education. In particular, 775,000 euros will flow into FAU's activities.

The project aims to develop political education and prevention strategies against Israel-related anti-Semitism and Islamist radicalization. Professor Dr. Mark Stemmler emphasizes the urgency because an increase in Israel-related anti-Semitism can be observed in schools. New anti-Semitic narratives are increasingly spreading through social media, which is particularly worrying.

Funding from various institutions

Partners such as the University of Heidelberg, the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and the University of Cologne are also working on this project together with FAU. At the University of Cologne, Professor Dr. Gudrun Hentges has two sub-projects that deal with the evaluation and implementation of corresponding strategies. The total period for the project extends from April 2025 to the end of 2028.

The project is also supported by the educational provider “Mind Prevention”, which has taken over the project management. The perspectives of young people and teachers are specifically examined in order to develop effective approaches to combat anti-Semitism. One focus is on the analysis of curricula and textbooks.

Research approaches and goals

The project's research questions include the role of Islamist radicalization and digital disinformation in the context of anti-Semitism among young people aged 14 to 22. One sub-project carries out a needs analysis in which teachers, school psychologists and school social workers are interviewed. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of the education and prevention measures and adapt them if necessary.

Workshops on promoting democracy and preventing Islamism are also planned, which will be evaluated through questionnaires and interviews. Professor Stemmler particularly points out that strengthening democratic values ​​and dissolving anti-Semitic thought patterns are essential for the positive development of the young generation.

In an overarching context, a recently published analysis of radicalization prevention in schools also highlights current challenges, such as the lack of staff in social institutions. This aspect was covered in analyzes by the Federal Agency for Civic Education and other specialist reports. These show that the confrontation with anti-Semitism cannot be viewed in isolation, but is embedded in a larger framework of extremism prevention.

With the “Dis_Ident” project, FAU is not only aiming for a short-term solution, but is also planning to develop long-term recommendations for political decision-makers and approaches for educational practice in order to make a sustainable contribution to combating anti-Semitism in schools.

For more information about the study results and political approaches resulting from this project, see the latest reports from Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg as well as the University of Cologne available. Further assessments of the challenges in preventing radicalization can be found in the Analyzes by the Federal Agency for Civic Education be read.