Joint declaration by the state and universities (December 15, 2023)

Wiesbaden, Dezember 15, 2023

Following the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7 and in the context of the Israeli backlash, anti-Semitic incitement and crimes with an anti-Semitic background have increased significantly. In this context, Science Minister Angela Dorn invited all universities in Hesse to an extraordinary university management meeting in Wiesbaden on Thursday. 
 
In addition to discussions with university management on anti-Semitism in the context of Hessian universities, there were keynote speeches from the Association of Jewish Students in Hesse, Dr. Roland Johne and Anika Schleinzer from the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Hesse, Dr. Reiner Becker from the Hesse Democracy Center, Christina Kreis, the anti-Semitism officer of the Hesse Public Prosecutor General's Office and Prof. Dr. Meron Mendel from the Anne Frank Educational Institution and Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences. 
 
At the end of the extraordinary university management conference, all universities unanimously adopted a joint resolution on the rise in anti-Semitism as a result of the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, which we would like to publish here.

Following the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, anti-Semitic incidents at universities in Hesse are on the rise. We are very alarmed by the fact that Jewish students and staff do not feel safe at universities. Never again should Jews in Germany be allowed to live in fear because of their religion or culture. Never again should they have to hide their identity. We are resolutely opposed to anti-Semitism in any form - not only symbolically, but also through concrete action. We also call on all members of the university to do the same. All staff, researchers, lecturers and students have the right not to experience exclusion, rejection or discrimination on the basis of their Jewish identity. 
 
Hessian universities are places of diversity, mutual respect and open academic exchange. However, the openness of academic discussion and artistic creation ends where anti-Semitic, racist or misanthropic statements are made. These are not covered by the freedom of science, art or opinion. Intimidation, hatred and agitation are contrary to the spirit of our universities. 
 
The Hessian Ministry of Science and Art and the Hessian universities strongly condemn the inhumane terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel on October 7, 2023. It was and is an attack on Jewish people, on Israelis, on Israel and against all those who stand for peaceful coexistence. Our thoughts are with all the victims of Hamas terror and our sympathy goes out to all those affected by the consequences of the Hamas attack and the resulting acts of war. 
 
The Hessian Ministry of Science and the Arts and the Hessian universities are opposed to all forms of anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of group-focused misanthropy. These have no place at Hessian universities. This applies to campus life as well as to events. 
 
Many of the Jewish and Palestinian students and staff are currently experiencing grief and fear for relatives in the region. Our sympathy goes out to them. However, the expression of grief and solidarity must not be misused by anyone to condone the terror of Hamas, to intimidate Jews or even to question Israel's right to exist. The massacre in Israel was aimed at destroying the Jews and Israel. It is unjustifiable for expressions of compassion, grief or sympathy to be misused for anti-Semitism.
 
At the same time, we condemn the fact that Muslims are being held jointly liable for Hamas terror. We also oppose hate speech, anti-Muslim discrimination and attacks at our universities. The universities will also put a stop to this and consistently exercise their domiciliary rights. 
 
The Hessian Ministry of Science and the Arts and the Hessian universities are aware of their responsibility to enable a respectful university culture and to maintain universities as discrimination-free spaces. We offer comprehensive support and counseling services for all members who experience or observe discrimination in the context of higher education. We firmly oppose all forms of anti-Semitism, racism and discrimination.
 
Hesse's universities take a firm stand against all forms of anti-Semitism and take concrete measures to actively combat it. 
This includes areas of awareness-raising, prevention and the creation of spaces for peaceful dialog as well as interdisciplinary research and further education and also prosecution and combating under the rule of law.
 
Field of action: raising awareness, prevention and creating spaces for peaceful dialog: 
Examples include ad-hoc working groups to improve everyday study and work life, cooperation with advice centers on the topic of anti-Semitism, dialogue formats between Jewish and Muslim students, a series of lectures on the topic of anti-Semitism, the provision of a "Safe Room" for Jewish students with the possibility of advice on dealing with anti-Semitism and psychological support services. 
 
Field of action: interdisciplinary research and further education: 
Examples include public panel discussions and specialist days at the Center for Teacher Training on right-wing ideologies and events as part of the Studium Generale on the Middle East conflict, Israel-related anti-Semitism and the role of postcolonial studies.
 
Field of action: prosecution and combating under the rule of law:
This includes, in particular, the consistent prosecution of anti-Semitic incidents both in terms of filing criminal charges and within the scope of the university's own jurisdiction, such as, for example, banning people from the premises, as well as the withdrawal of room commitments for events in cases of indications of Israel-related anti-Semitism and the withdrawal of the status of a university group. 
 
The Hessian Ministry of Science and the Arts intends to provide 1.5 million euros as part of the Higher Education Pact funds for quality assurance in studies and teaching to provide further support in the areas of awareness-raising, prevention and the creation of spaces for peaceful dialog.