HRK: "There is no place for anti-Semitism at German universities"

20. November 2019

The General Assembly of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) emphatically opposed all forms of anti-Semitism yesterday in Hamburg. It was appalled at the terror attacks that took place in Halle/Saale on 9 October 2019, the date of the Jewish Day of Atonement, and the growing number of anti-Semitic incidents in Germany.

"In light of these appalling events, we wish to reiterate our abhorrence and our opposition to all forms of anti-Semitism," said HRK President Professor Dr Peter-André Alt.

In their resolution, the member universities expressly endorse the definition of anti-Semitism provided by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The HRK resolution states that the member universities "would like to see it take root in all universities. It is used in their institutions and is communicated to members. Jewish life on the campus must not be endangered, and Jewish researchers, teachers and students must feel safe at all universities."

"We must be vigilant and watchful," said President Alt. "We know that anti-Semitism has acted, and continues to act, as an ideological platform for anti-democratic alliances. It is important that all universities take a clear stance against it in academic life. We need to strengthen democratic forces that, like us, see no place for any form of anti-Semitism, regardless of religious or political persuasion, in our society."


View text of the resolution