Residents in Berlin Continue to Face Challenges with Combating Individuals Displaying Antisemitic Attitudes
Update: First Berlin University to Implement Changes Against Anti-Semitism
Over a year after the House of Representatives in Berlin decided to reinforce the Higher Education Act with the aim of expelling violent anti-Israel proponents from universities, no significant changes have been implemented. This development comes amidst increasing instances of anti-Semitic activities at the city's universities.
Anti-Semitic activities, such as occupations of lecture halls, destruction of property, and displays of Hamas symbols, have become more frequent at Berlin's universities following the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas' attack on Israel.
State Secretary for Science, Henry Marx (42, SPD), insists that all universities are working on issuing the necessary statutes regarding disciplinary actions. The complex legal process is still ongoing, he added. CDU MP Timur Husein (44) is inquiring about the delay in a parliamentary question. The Senate's response mentions various working groups, consultations, and committee processes.
The Higher Education Act covers all state universities, including the Humboldt University, Freie Universität, Technische Universität, the University of the Arts Berlin, the Hanns Eisler School of Music Berlin, the Weißensee Art Academy Berlin, the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts Berlin, the Berlin University of Technology, the University of Applied Sciences for Technology and Economics Berlin, the University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Law Berlin, and the Alice Salomon University.
Husein expressed concern to the B.Z., stating that despite the widespread anti-Semitic incidents, not a single university has issued the required statutes. Jewish students still fear anti-Semitic peers, he added.
Meanwhile, the Humboldt University has taken the first step. The Academic Senate recently passed the statute necessary for implementing disciplinary actions, pending approval from the responsible Senate administration and publication in the official bulletin. Once published, the statutory amendment will come into effect.
The overall situation suggests a complex environment surrounding discussions about Israel and Palestine in German academic settings, with reports of censorship and self-censorship related to criticism of Israeli policies. This climate might be contributing to universities' cautious approach when implementing measures that could be perceived as limiting free speech or academic freedom.
Further investigation would be needed to understand the specific reasons behind the delay in implementing the House of Representatives' decision, taking into account the legal and administrative processes involved and any political or social factors that might be influencing the situation.
- The delay in implementing changes against anti-Semitism in Berlin's universities, as outlined in the policy and legislation by the House of Representatives, is a topic of concern for CDU MP Timur Husein, given the frequent anti-Semitic activities and the general news of widespread incidents.
- Despite increasing instances of anti-Semitic activities at Berlin's universities, only the Humboldt University has taken the initial step towards implementing education-and-self-development policies against anti-Semitism, with the Academic Senate passing a necessary statute for disciplinary actions.
- Advocacy groups might also consider looking into the complex environment surrounding discussions about Israel and Palestine in German academic settings, as there have been reports of censorship and self-censorship related to criticism of Israeli policies, which could potentially be contributing to the cautious approach of universities when implementing measures against anti-Semitism.
