Anti-Semitism at universities: Conference calls for clear strategies!

Anti-Semitism at universities: Conference calls for clear strategies!

On March 8, 2025, the anti-Semitism conference took place in the Forum am Domshof, which was organized at the invitation of Bremen's Senator for Science Kathrin Moosdorf. The aim of the specialist day was to raise awareness of anti-Semitism and to develop strategies for dealing with it at universities. The event came at a time when an increase in anti-Semitic incidents is being observed in Germany, particularly at universities. Senator Moosdorf emphasized in her opening speech: “There is no place for anti-Semitism in Bremen!”

The importance of defending democratic values ​​was emphasized again at the conference. The participants, including Bremen university management, university employees, representatives of the science department and the Association of Jewish Students North, supported the open exchange about how to deal appropriately with anti-Semitism in society and science. The symposium was intended, in particular, to sensitize employees and those responsible for anti-Semitic behavior and to show options for responding.

Challenges at universities

The Bundestag recently passed a cross-party resolution against anti-Semitism in education and science. This measure was taken in particular in response to the increase in anti-Semitic incidents in schools and universities, particularly after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Protests and occupations of university buildings with anti-Israel and anti-Semitic slogans show the urgency of the issue. Nevertheless, universities must protect academic freedom and must not tolerate anti-Semitic narratives, as can be seen from the discussion on the responsibility of educational institutions.

The resolution also addresses the central questions of norms in debate spaces and the distinction between legitimate criticism of Israel and anti-Semitic thought figures. However, critics point out the danger of a problematic normalization of the discourse, which endangers the openness of the debate. Universities are therefore faced with the challenge of offering spaces for differentiated perspectives without reproducing dogmas.

Anti-Semitism and academic freedom

The Jewish community in Germany, which numbers around 200,000 members, faces a growing sense of isolation and vulnerability. The author and professor of Jewish studies at the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg pointed out that university institutions play a particularly important role in the fight against anti-Semitism. At the same time, they must also create space for a critical examination of Israeli politics.

The discussion about the definition of anti-Semitism remains complex. Using Natan Sharansky's 3D test to identify problematic narratives is just one approach. Universities must emphasize that a differentiated and fair discussion of Israel is possible without this turning into delegitimization or demonization.

As part of the Bundestag resolution, it is also pointed out that the federal government should promote anti-Semitism research and contemporary Jewish research. This also includes support for schools and universities to fully exploit legal options in dealing with anti-Semitic behavior, including the exclusion of pupils and students, as well as the introduction of comprehensive anti-Semitism officers at universities.

In summary, the conference and the political discussion show that the topic of anti-Semitism at universities is not only an academic problem, but also a problem for society as a whole. The responsibility of universities is considered essential to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.

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