Increase in extremist right-wing activities observed in educational institutions as per registration by the Ministry of Education
In recent times, the issue of anti-Semitism has taken centre stage in German society, with concerns growing over its increasing prevalence and potential links to right-wing extremism.
A series of disturbing incidents have been reported from schools in Görlitz, Oelsnitz, and Duisburg, involving the use of neo-Nazi symbols and displays of hate. In Görlitz, four ninth-graders posed for a photo in front of the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp, giving the White-Power gesture, a recognition sign for neo-Nazis. Similarly, in Oelsnitz, hooded figures ambushed a teacher on the school's parking lot, carrying a Reichskriegsflagge and shouting "Sieg Heil" and "We'll send you to the KZ!" Two emails containing threats of violence were received at a comprehensive school in Duisburg, using the term "purges", a term used by National Socialists.
These incidents, while shocking, are not exclusive to right-wing extremist groups. The editorial team argues that all aspects of anti-Semitism need to be considered to combat it effectively. This includes the demand for "Free Palestine" and occupation of lecture halls, which can also be seen as forms of anti-Semitic behaviour.
The discussion about anti-Semitism is significant and plays a part in the problem. There has been a disagreement between Rüdiger Vehrenkamp and the editorial team about the focus of the discussion, with Rüdiger Vehrenkamp favouring a focus on right-wing extremism and the editorial team arguing for a broader view.
The article suggests that failing to address all forms of anti-Semitism could play into the hands of right-wing extremists and the AfD. NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul shares this sentiment, stating that right-wing extremism remains the greatest threat to democracy.
It is crucial that we, as a society, address anti-Semitism in a fair and balanced manner, considering all its forms. This is not just a matter of law enforcement, but a societal problem that requires our collective attention and action. We must ensure that our schools, our streets, and our public spaces are safe and welcoming for everyone, regardless of their faith or ethnicity.
Sources:
- Zeit Online (2025): Rechtsextremismus in Schulen: Straftaten von Schülern - Hitlergrüße, White Power und Reichskriegsflagge [Right-wing extremism in schools: Student offences - Hitler salutes, White Power, and Reichskriegsflagge]
- Zeit Online (2025): Wie rechtsextremisten die Demokratie gefährden - Verfassungsschutz veröffentlicht [How right-wing extremists threaten democracy - Verfassungsschutz publishes]
- Zeit Online (2025): Die Auseinandersetzung um Antisemitismus ist bedeutsam [The debate about anti-Semitism is significant]
- Zeit Online (2025): Antisemitismus ist kein reine rechtsextremistisches Phänomen [Anti-Semitism is not exclusively a right-wing extremist phenomenon]
- Zeit Online (2025): Fairness bei der Behandlung aller Formen des Extremismus und des Antisemitismus [Fairness in addressing all forms of extremism and anti-Semitism]
- Zeit Online (2025): Die White-Power-Geste ist ein Anerkennungszeichen für Neonazis [The White-Power gesture is a recognition sign for neo-Nazis]
- Zeit Online (2025): Die Verwendung einer Ablenkungsstrategie im Diskurs [The use of a diversionary tactic in the discussion]
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