Since 7 October, 2023, universities have become a hotspot for antisemitic mobilisation, featuring hate-filled graffiti, attacks on Jewish students, and the presence of antisemitic groups within student committees. These groups negatively influence university policies, making life increasingly difficult for Jewish students. Antisemitism officers are often overwhelmed, leading affected students to withdraw from university or drop out entirely. The Amadeu Foundation outlines this troubling situation in its Civil Society Situation Report on Antisemitism #15.
“Jewish students can no longer study safely at German universities. Antisemitism is openly displayed: in seminars, on campus, in student parliaments. Jewish students experience exclusion, hatred, and threats. Many conceal their identity, avoid events, or even the campus itself. Universities should be places of freedom and open, respectful discourse. If Jewish students have to hide their identity there and fear for their safety, these institutions have failed. Universities must not be no-go areas for Jewish students,” said Tahera Ameer, Executive Director of the Amadeu Antonio Foundation.
On 6 October, the Amadeu Antonio Foundation presented exclusive figures on antisemitism at German universities for the winter semester. It launched the 23rd Action Weeks against Antisemitism, “For a Campus without Jew-hatred”.
According to a qualitative survey by the Anti-Defamation League, commissioned by the Amadeu Antonio Foundation and analysed exclusively for Germany, 85% of Jewish students in Germany concealed their Jewish identity at least once during the 2024/2025 academic year. One in three Jewish students knows Jewish classmates who have been physically threatened or attacked, or who have been attacked in an anti-Israel context. This puts Germany above the international average.
“Since 7 October, it has been impossible to study at German universities without experiencing antisemitism. Between anti-Jewish graffiti and seminars that demonise Israel, we Jewish students have learned to conceal our identity and plan every step with security in mind. Many incidents never become public because we fear that the situation will worsen for us Jews. And university administrations often prefer to remain silent rather than openly express solidarity with us Jews,” explained Ron Dekel, President of the Jewish Students’ Union of Germany.
In the Amadeu Antonio Foundation’s new report on the state of antisemitism, victims report experiencing psychological and physical violence. The Amadeu Antonio Foundation views this as a restriction of academic freedom.
In response to the pervasive antisemitism at universities, the Amadeu Antonio Foundation is launching its 23rd Action Weeks Against Antisemitism today, focusing on antisemitism on campus. The largest civil society network against Jew-hatred is organising around 250 events from 6 October to November 2026, taking a stand with the poster campaign “For a Campus Without Jew-Hatred,” and launching a petition to combat Jew-hatred at German universities.
“Since 7 October, 2023, German universities have become a central hub for antisemitic mobilisation. But the situation is not hopeless: there are many committed individuals working to counter this catastrophic state of affairs,” noted Dr Nikolas Lelle, project manager of the Education and Action Weeks against Antisemitism.
“The Action Weeks against Antisemitism unite this commitment and advocate for a campus free of Jew-hatred. Universities bear responsibility for the protection of all students; therefore, we demand that every university develop a binding safeguarding policy, appoint qualified, independent antisemitism officers, and make prevention and training against antisemitism mandatory,” he added.
The Education and Action Weeks Against Antisemitism is a nationwide initiative in Germany that promotes awareness events, coordinated by the Amadeu Antonio Foundation and the Anne Frank Centre since 2003.
