Last Friday, anti-Semitic hate and inflammatory messages were put up in the immediate vicinity of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Contrary to claims to the contrary in some media and social networks, these posters were not located in or on university buildings.
As far as we are aware, three posters were displayed on the S-Bahn arches at Friedrichstraße station. We assume that these locations were deliberately chosen with the aim of intimidating Jewish students and staff and damaging the reputation of Humboldt-Universität.
The Presidium of HU strongly condemned the anti-Semitic posters in a statement on Friday and expressly asked that the image motif not be disseminated any further.
Since then, the university has received numerous reactions - characterised by anger, indignation and bewilderment in the face of this anti-Semitic terror. Unfortunately, many letters also contain misrepresentations, generalised accusations and hateful undertones. It is particularly depressing that politicians and celebrities are among the senders. Only a few voices recognise HU's commitment to the fight against anti-Semitism and encourage us.
What exactly are we being condemned for?
Anti-Semitism is a problem for society as a whole, and it also affects universities. Statistically, universities are less affected than society as a whole, but they are becoming the focus of attention due to protests glorifying violence and hostility towards Israel, slogans and damage to property, especially in the capital - the activists' aim is to attract maximum attention.
Humboldt-Universität has been particularly committed to combating anti-Semitism for over a year. We have initiated numerous measures to offer Jewish members of the university a safe environment:
- 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
Anti-Semitic incidents - whether graffiti or damage to property - are consistently removed and reported to the police. In the current case, the police were also informed immediately in order to initiate criminal proceedings.
Our stance is clear: as a university, our mission is to impart knowledge and facilitate research. This requires a safe and free environment for everyone. We will use all the means at our disposal to combat any form of intimidation, hatred or political instrumentalisation - both inside and outside our university buildings.
Humboldt-Universität will not allow itself to be appropriated.
Presidium of the Humboldt-Universität