Anti-Semitic incidents are increasing at German universities. Jewish students in Berlin no longer feel safe. What can universities do?
Hanna Veiler sits in an office at the Jewish Student Union of Germany (JSUD) and calmly talks about how her world has changed since October 7th. The day Hamas attacked soldiers and civilians in Israel, killing more than 1,000 people.
“We see universities that are absolutely at a loss and have no mechanisms to combat the current anti-Semitism,” she says. There are supposedly pro-Palestinian blockades every week Events and lecture hall occupations: “You only have to enter the campus and you will see flyers and posters with anti-Semitic content.”
For example, maps of Israel would be painted entirely in Palestinian colors – a barely concealed negation of the state’s right to exist. Flyers calling for the Intifada or posters showing dead Israeli soldiers would be put out. Since October 7th, it has been difficult for Jewish students to feel safe, says Veiler. In addition, there are constant tirades of hate and hostility, mostly online.
Specifically threatened
“I couldn’t currently enter a campus like that of the Free University or the University of the Arts. Because there are concrete threats,” she says. Just a week ago another letter like this arrived: “It said something like: I can hardly wait to have you chased down the chimney of Auschwitz.” Other members of the JSUD would also receive such threats.
And apparently it doesn’t stop with words. Ever since the Berlin public prosecutor’s office investigated a student at the Free University (FU) for allegedly attacking and seriously injuring a Jewish fellow student outside the university, the debate about the safety of Jewish students has fully flared up. The alleged perpetrator was banned from the house for three months by the FU. The public prosecutor’s office assumes an anti-Semitic background.
Exmatriculation excluded in Berlin
Many demanded that the alleged perpetrator should be expelled. But this is legally impossible – because of a peculiarity in Berlin. In 2021, the House of Representatives changed the Higher Education Act – and removed exmatriculation as a possible sanction.
Klaus Herrmann, professor of administrative law at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg says: “At the moment it is very clear: the FU cannot deregister the student. There is currently no legal basis for this.”
Berlin politicians are discussing whether the old law should come into force again. But the problem cannot be solved that easily, warns Herrmann: “Even under the old version, you would probably have ended up with a ban on entering the house.” Because the incident has not yet been conclusively clarified.
Only after a criminal conviction can there be further consequences, says Herrmann: “Then, in the event of an anti-Semitic act of violence, de-registration could also be considered.”
Ban on entry for Lecture hall blockades?
Herrmann sees more leeway for the universities when dealing with blockades and protests: “The university must be able to carry out orderly university operations. To do this, the university can take action against discrimination, against targeted restrictions and oppression of other members.” Here too, it would be conceivable to take measures such as house bans against students.
But that doesn’t happen, complains Hanna Veiler: “The universities could enforce their house rules. But lines are incredibly slow. That’s a question of will.” She has the feeling that many universities are surprised by the fact that anti-Semitism exists at all – and where it comes from.
“Especially at universities, it is currently mainly left-wing anti-Semitism. And left-wing university groups are also working with Islamist organizations,” she says. “I believe that many universities are more interested in protecting their good reputation. And do not want to admit that anti-Semitism is taking place.”
“Timely” action
On Friday, Berlin’s Science Senator met with representatives of Berlin’s universities. The Senate administration said that there was an “exchange.” About how universities can be better protected from anti-Semitic attacks and threats. A change to the Higher Education Act was also discussed. The Science Senator will “present a draft in a timely manner”.