Symposium on Antisemitism at Higher Education Institutions

Incidents involving antisemitism are increasing throughout Germany and at its higher education institutions (HEIs). Discussions about an appropriate response to antisemitism in society and in academia are therefore imperative.

Kathrin Moosdorf, Senator for the Environment, Climate, and Science, says, “I want to make it clear: There is no room for antisemitism in Bremen! In challenging times for our democracy, it is more important than ever to stand up for and actively defend our democratic values. This includes a determined fight against antisemitism in society as a whole and on our university campuses in particular. Today’s symposium with the higher education institutions has provided a valuable opportunity for open discussion on this critical issue. To acquire the necessary sensitivity and confidence in action in handling antisemitic incidents, expertise on campuses is of paramount importance.”

The situation at institutions of higher education is particularly tense. Not only do these bear responsibility for ensuring that human and minority rights of every individual member of the HEI community are protected, they are also institutions of academic liberty, and as such, places for freely forming and expressing opinions. The symposium on antisemitism aims to raise awareness among staff and those in leadership and advisory positions about the complexities of antisemitic behavior, its impact on those affected, and what options HEIs have for responding appropriately.

University boards, staff members from the HEIs, the ministry of science, the Verband jüdischer Studierender Nord (Jewish student union in northern Germany), as well as further experts such as the head of Bremen’s domestic intelligence services, Thorge Koehler, and the leader of the Societal Peace and Internal Security research area at the University of Hamburg, Dr. Hannah Pfeiffer, met to discuss approaches.