anti-Semitism
Stark-Watzinger: Universities half-heartedly combat anti-Semitism
The number of anti-Semitic crimes has increased dramatically since the Gaza war. Many universities have taken a position against anti-Semitism – others have not, criticizes Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (archive photo). photo
© Britta Pedersen/dpa
The number of anti-Semitic crimes has increased dramatically since the Gaza war. Many universities have taken a position against anti-Semitism – others have not, criticizes the Education Minister.
Federal Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger criticizes the fact that some universities are only half-heartedly opposed would position anti-Semitism. “Many universities have lived up to their responsibility and have taken a clear position against anti-Semitism. But we also see some universities where this does not happen or only happens very hesitantly and half-heartedly,” said the FDP politician to the Germany editorial network. That is unacceptable.
“When I hear from Jewish students that they no longer dare to go to university, it’s frightening. Anti-Semitism is not an opinion, but rather an expression of hatred and conspiracy theories,” said Stark-Watzinger. Everything must be done to combat this using constitutional means.
The number of anti-Semitic crimes in Germany has increased dramatically since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the subsequent Gaza war. According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, 2,874 anti-Semitic crimes were registered last year, including 88 violent acts (as of November 2023).