College in Nordhausen Pushes Back Against Anti-Semitism, Followed by Jena
Northhouse University designates a Commissioner against Anti-Semitism. - University of Nordhausen Designates a Commissioner for Combating Antisemitism
Cordula Borbe, the Vice President of Hochschule Nordhausen and the head of its study and teaching department, announced the university's decision to appoint an Anti-Semitism Commissioner for the first time. Borbe expressed her concern about the invisibility of Jewish life at universities, especially following the Hamas attack on Israel. She stated the university's goal is to be a welcoming space where everyone can feel secure and comfortable without hiding their roots.
This new position signifies a firm stance against any form of anti-Semitism, as stated in the university's statement. The Commissioner will serve as a contact for both students and staff, offering guidance in case of incidents and contributing to the development of preventive measures.
Now, the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Thuringia's largest university, has also expressed its intention to appoint an Anti-Semitism Commissioner, despite no reported anti-Semitic attacks on Jewish students. Officials claim that anti-Semitic flyers have been distributed in the university's vicinity.
The escalating number of anti-Semitic incidents in Thuringia, including a significant increase in Israel-related anti-Semitism, has raised concerns. In August, the Research and Information Center on Anti-Semitism Thuringia reported 103 incidents of Israel-related anti-Semitism in 2023 compared to merely three incidents in 2022.
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The rise in anti-Semitism in Germany, including in Thuringia, can be attributed to a combination of factors, such as the intensification of far-right extremism and the impact of geopolitical events like Israel's military campaign in Gaza. German police reported a 21% increase in anti-Semitic crimes in 2024 compared to the previous year, with nearly half of the perpetration linked to far-right elements and almost a third possibly inspired by Middle East conflicts.
In Thuringia, politics and social tensions contribute to the regional climate. The region experienced heightened political violence following the 2024 elections, with attacks targeting both the AfD and the Greens. The AfD's shift from right-wing populism to documented right-wing extremism has further intensified social tensions and encouraged the normalization of anti-Semitic rhetoric.
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In response to this surge in anti-Semitic incidents, universities in Thuringia, such as Hochschule Nordhausen and Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, have taken significant steps. Key among these measures is the appointment of Anti-Semitism Commissioners. Their primary functions include monitoring incidents, raising awareness through educational programs, and working with administration to develop preventive policies. By appointing these commissioners, universities demonstrate their commitment to combating intolerance and supporting vulnerable groups. This is part of a broader effort among German institutions to address the root causes of anti-Semitism and foster inclusive environments.
- The appointment of Anti-Semitism Commissioners in universities like Hochschule Nordhausen and Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena is not just a response to reported anti-Semitic attacks, but also a proactive step against the increasing general-news of Israel-related anti-Semitism in Thuringia, as part of a broader effort among German institutions to create more inclusive employment policies within their communities.
- The escalating number of anti-Semitic incidents in Thuringia, including a significant increase in Israel-related anti-Semitism, has raised concerns not only about the safety of Jewish students but also about the how politics and social tensions in the region, particularly the intensification of far-right extremism and the impact of geopolitical events, are contributing to the regional climate and the normalization of anti-Semitic rhetoric, therefore requiring a comprehensive employment policy and community policy approach to combat intolerance.
