Anti-Semitism at Thuringian universities: New figures are alarming!

Anti-Semitism at Thuringian universities: New figures are alarming!

Anti-Semitism is evident at worrying levels at many German universities, and the situation in Thuringia is no exception. Bachhausen's latest publication highlights the rise in anti-Semitic incidents in the region, which rose to 392 cases in 2024 - a notable increase from 297 in 2023. What is particularly striking is that 41% of these incidents are directly related to the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and the subsequent Middle East conflict. The number of Israel-related anti-Semitic incidents has also doubled to 197 and now accounts for 50% of the total incidents reports Bachhausen.

In Thuringia, the incidents are characterized not only by a shocking increase, but also by a change in the appearance of anti-Semitism. For the first time, most incidents occur...

Types of anti-Semitic incidents

What is particularly striking is that anti-Semitic statements at universities make up a large proportion of incidents. In total, the RIAS documented 46 anti-Semitic incidents at Thuringian universities, which accounts for around one in eight incidents. These often take the form of graffiti, flyers, posters and events. Anti-Israel rallies also appear to be leading to an increase in threats and attacks. The number of incidents surrounding such protests is alarming. In 2024, RIAS recorded a total of two attacks, both of which occurred as part of anti-Israel protests. In particular, anti-Semitic narratives are often linked to left-wing anti-imperialist symbolism states Bachhausen.

But the problem is not only pressing in Thuringia. Anti-Semitic incidents have been increasing at universities across Germany since Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2022. The federal association RIAS reported almost 40 anti-Semitic incidents at universities by the end of November 2022. An incident at the Free University of Berlin in which a student seriously injured the brother of comedian Shahak Shapira attracted particular attention and led to public criticism of the university for acting too slowly. The Berlin Senate is now demanding that universities take quick and consistent action against anti-Semitism reports research and teaching.

Dealing with anti-Semitism at universities

A current study by the Federal Ministry of Research shows that Israel-related anti-Semitism occurs in around 8% of students. Compared to the rest of the population, the proportion of anti-Semitic attitudes among students is 10% lower, but the problem remains and has become more present and radical at universities. Almost a third of Jewish students experience discrimination and more than half have observed anti-Semitic statements directly at their university. This highlights the need for preventive measures and a more meaningful approach to anti-Semitism describes ZDF today.

The voices calling for a clear position and decisive action against anti-Semitic incidents are becoming louder. The Central Council of Jews in Germany and the Federal Government's Anti-Semitism Commissioner are calling for universities to use their house rules more consistently. There are also proposals to reform existing laws to enable universities to act more quickly. But while change is called for, the question remains: How long can this tolerance for anti-Semitism be maintained at German universities?