- Anti-Semitism: The central contact point of the university is working
North Rhine-Westphalia offers a central point of contact at Münster University for those affected by antisemitism at universities. According to a statement from the state government, the "Central Office for Consultation and Monitoring of Antisemitic Incidents at Universities in North Rhine-Westphalia" will begin its work on Thursday. "Our universities must be safe places where Jewish women and men can study, research, and work without fear of discrimination," said Science Minister Ina Brandes (CDU).
The point of contact was established by the universities, universities of applied sciences, and state art and music universities of the state, together with the Research and Information Centre for Antisemitism North Rhine-Westphalia (RIAS NRW), which is led by Münster University.
New point of contact to advise those affected
Since the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, there has also been an increase in antisemitic attacks at universities, according to the state government. The new point of contact will advise and support those affected and witnesses. "Moreover, antisemitic incidents will be recorded in order to better illuminate the dark field of antisemitic incidents and to establish a cross-university monitoring system," the statement said.
The Science Ministry is funding the project with around 221,000 euros. In the state parliament, the CDU, SPD, Alliance 90/The Greens, and the FDP passed a joint resolution in favor of the point of contact. In total, the state is providing over 1.5 million euros for measures against antisemitism at universities. In addition to the central point of contact, training and further education offers on the topics of the Middle East conflict, antisemitism, and Israel hatred are also included.
Despite the increase in antisemitic incidents at high schools following the Hamas attack, there hasn't been a similar central point of contact established for them. Nevertheless, the new point of contact at North Rhine-Westphalia's universities can serve as a model and potentially inspire the creation of a similar resource for high school students. High school students confronting antisemitism would greatly benefit from having a reliable and supportive resource like this central point of contact.
