Antisemitism prevention

The UdK Berlin is actively committed to combating discrimination and antisemitism. In light of the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents after October 7, 2023, the university is promoting awareness of the origins and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism. UdK Berlin takes both sensitizing and event-specific measures. It supports the position paper of the German Rectors' Conference from November 15, 2023, and adheres to the working definition of antisemitism provided by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) (the IHRA working definition can be found in the FAQs). This definition covers both classical and contemporary forms of antisemitism, including those related to Israel and post-Holocaust antisemitism.

The UdK Berlin aligns its work in antisemitism prevention with and based on the Berlin State Concept for the Further Development of Antisemitism Prevention, in which the IHRA's working definition is anchored for antisemitism prevention and has been approved by the Berlin House of Representatives.

For the UdK Berlin, raising awareness of antisemitism is an ongoing educational mission. Contemporary educational measures such as workshops, seminars, and dialogue formats in the artistic, academic, and administrative sectors aim to raise awareness of the persistence of antisemitic prejudices and worldviews and to strengthen antisemitism criticism, thereby enabling a nuanced and content-driven discourse.

As a university with a history of institutional violence dating back from the time of National Socialism, UdK Berlin feels a responsibility not only to address the societal challenges of the present but also to critically reflect on its own history, particularly the role of art and culture during National Socialism, while simultaneously engaging in forward-looking work in prevention. The formats offered here complement the existing offerings on discrimination awareness and they were established from the end of June 2024 at the initiative of the then President, Professor Norbert Palz, and were conceived by Dr Michaela Conen.

Antisemitism, however, is a specific social phenomenon and represents a particularly complex form of discriminatory behavior that requires specialized expertise.

The illustrations are by Tanya Teibtner, a UdK alumna from the Illustration class of Prof. Henning Wagenbreth.

Events

Here we present formats that provide key impulses, strengthen dialogue, and demonstrate how a deeper understanding of the societal challenges related to addressing antisemitism can be fostered.

Educational offerings

Through workshops, lectures, and discussion groups, knowledge will be shared, and engagement against antisemitism will be strengthened. Students can earn credit points in the seminars as part of the Studium Generale.

Internal Reporting Options and Support

Have you experienced or witnessed an antisemitic incident? You can report the incident here. Even if the incident occurred some time ago, it can still be reported. The antisemitism prevention team will handle the report.

External Support and Counseling Centers

Find important information here about external support and counseling services that provide guidance on handling antisemitic incidents and offer comprehensive support to those affected.

How can we work together to combat antisemitism?

To effectively combat antisemitism, we will rely on various approaches in the future.

Networks, Partnerships and Funding

Effective antisemitism prevention requires close collaboration with various societal stakeholders.

The latest findings on antisemitism

Current research on antisemitism has opened new dimensions. Scholars are analyzing not only historical roots but also contemporary manifestations.

NOVA TRIBE VOICES

How do we find the words to describe what we have been through and what does it mean to truly listen? Survivors Tamir Leshetz and Yuval Siman Tov share their accounts of the Hamas terrorist attack on the Nova Music Festival on 7 October 2023.

An Intersectional Perspective on Addressing Antisemitic Discrimination and Violence at the Berlin University of the Arts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In the FAQs on antisemitism prevention, you will find comprehensive answers to frequently asked questions that address various aspects and challenges of the topic in order to foster a better understanding of the issues involved.

Universität der Künste Berlin