The brutal attack on an Israeli student in Berlin is fueling the debate about anti-Semitism at universities. How serious are universities and other institutions about their beliefs?
The President of the Jewish Student Union Hanna Veiler thinks: Not serious enough. Hatred of Jews is nothing new at universities either. However, Veiler has observed a massive increase in anti-Semitic statements and threats since the Hamas terror on October 7th. Jewish students did not feel safe.
Anti-Semitism is always named “where it is convenient,” says Veiler. »Right-wingers will point out the anti-Semitism of the left, left-wingers will point out the anti-Semitism of the right. We’ll never move forward like this.”
As a student, the 25-year-old was involved in left-wing university groups - and experienced how she found herself in a dilemma despite agreement on many political issues. “As soon as it comes to Israel, you are given a choice,” says Veiler. "You literally hear sentences like: 'It's okay that you're Jewish, but if you're a Zionist, you have no place here'."
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“Sstimmenfang” is SPIEGEL’s political podcast. For everyone who wants to understand Germany better. Marius Mestermann discusses the political topic of the week with his guests. New every Thursday.
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