Anti-Semitic hate posters near the University
Last Friday, anti-Semitic hate speech and defamatory slogans were put up on posters in the immediate vicinity of the Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin. Contrary to claims made in a number of news media and social networks, these posters were not located in or on University buildings.
As far as we know, three posters were displayed on the S-Bahn arches at Friedrichstra?e station. We assume that these locations were chosen deliberately – with the aim of intimidating Jewish students and staff and damaging the reputation of the Humboldt-Universit?t.
In a statement published on Friday last week, the President’s Executive Council of the HU strongly condemned the anti-Semitic posters and urged that the poster image should not be disseminated any further.
Since then, the University has received numerous reactions – full of anger, indignation and bewilderment in the face of this anti-Semitic terror. Unfortunately, many of the letters contain incorrect statements, generalised accusations and hateful undertones. What is particularly depressing is that politicians and prominent figures are among those who sent such messages. Only a few voices recognise the HU’s commitment in the fight against anti-Semitism and encourage us.
For what exactly are we being condemned?
Anti-Semitism is a problem for society as a whole that also concerns universities. Statistically, universities are less affected than society at large, but they are becoming the focus of attention due to protests glorifying violence and showing hostility towards Israel, as well as slogans and damage to property, especially in the capital, Berlin – the activists’ aim is to attract maximum attention.?
The Humboldt-Universit?t has been particularly committed to combatting anti-Semitism. During the past year, we have initiated numerous measures to provide a safe environment for Jewish members of the University:
- Expanding the range of courses on anti-Semitism, the Middle East conflict and racism
- Development of new security concepts
- Introduction of training courses to raise awareness of anti-Semitism
- Appointment of an anti-Semitism officer
- Education and dialogue formats in courses
- Exchange with Jewish students and staff
- Organisation of projects such as a memorial sound installation, specialist lectures and information stands
Demonstrations of anti-Semitism – whether graffiti or damage to property – are being rigorously removed and reported for prosecution. In this latest case, the police were informed immediately in order to initiate legal action.
Our mission is clear: as a University, our task is to share knowledge and enable research. This requires a safe and free environment for everyone. We will use all means available to us to take action against any form of intimidation, hatred or political instrumentalisation – both inside and outside our University buildings.
The Humboldt-Universit?t will not allow itself to be appropriated.
The President’s Executive Council
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