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Free University of Berlin: “Our sympathy goes out to the victim and his relatives”
Photo: Monika Skolimowska / dpa
After the attack on a Jewish student, the Free University of Berlin took action. The university announced that after the violent attack in Berlin-Mitte, which was allegedly anti-Semitic, the suspect was banned from entering the building to protect university members on campus. The house ban applies to the entire campus for three months and can be extended. Online teaching formats are not affected by the university's decision, it said.
The Jewish FU student Lahav Shapira was hospitalized last weekend with broken bones in his face. A 23-year-old pro-Palestinian fellow student is said to have hit and kicked him on a street in Berlin-Mitte.
University management under pressure after attack
The public prosecutor's office assumes a targeted attack and an anti-Semitic background. The case has been shaking up the city for days and is also putting the management of the FU under pressure.
After the crime, FU President Günter Ziegler expressed his horror and condemned the crime. »Our condolences go out to the victim and his relatives. We wish him a speedy and complete recovery,” Ziegler said, according to the statement. Unrestricted solidarity applies to all victims of anti-Semitic hostility and violence.
“In view of the crime, the suspect would be perceived as a threat on the university campus,” said Ziegler. "To protect the members of the university and to ensure peace at the university, the ban on entering the premises that has now been announced for an initial period of three months is essential."
According to the university, around 40,000 people from more than 150 nations with different origins and religious affiliations study, teach, research and work at the university. “This diversity shapes the university’s self-image,” it said. »Humanity, respect and tolerance are the cornerstones of our community. Anti-Semitism of any form, racism and discrimination will not be tolerated.«
eru/dpa