Anti-Israel protests
Stark-Watzinger: Universities should take action against anti-Semitism
Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger calls on universities to take consistent action against anti-Semitism. photo
© Wolfgang Kumm/dpa
In view of increasing pro-Palestinian protests worldwide, Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger has called on universities to take consistent action against anti-Semitism. “The extent of hatred of Israel and Jews at numerous Western universities is unbearable. The massive riots of the past few days must serve as a reminder and warning to us,” said the FDP politician to the “Rheinische Post”.
In view of increasing pro-Palestinian protests worldwide, Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger called on universities to take consistent action against anti-Semitism. “The extent of hatred of Israel and Jews at numerous Western universities is unbearable. The massive riots of the past few days must serve as a reminder and warning to us,” said the FDP politician to the “Rheinische Post”.
There have also been anti-Israel and anti-Jewish actions at universities in Germany since October 7th, said Stark-Watzinger. The rule of law, but also university management, is required here. “They must consistently exercise their house rules, and de-registration must also be possible in particularly serious cases.”
Anti-Semitism Commissioner fears anti-Israel protests at universities
The President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Josef Schuster, warned that protests, like those in the USA, could also spread to German universities. “My biggest concern is that the conditions we see in the USA will also appear in Germany, as many groups are internationally networked,” Schuster told the “Rheinische Post”. Jewish students in Germany have been heavily affected by anti-Semitism for many months and this has given them an extreme feeling of insecurity.
There is often a lack of “recognizing and dealing with anti-Semitic activities among students and teachers, as well as usually the right instruments to take action against the drivers of this development,” said Schuster.
The federal government’s anti-Semitism commissioner, Felix Klein, was also concerned. He told the “Rheinische Post” that he was observing “an aggressive anti-Israeli mood” at German universities, which was also motivated by anti-Semitic sentiments. “We have not reached the dimensions that are to be complained about in the USA. But an anti-Semitic attitude is unfortunately widespread and can very quickly lead to an escalation.”