University of Bayreuth: For Jewish Life, Against Antisemitism

Resolution for respect, against antisemitism, racism and discrimination (2024)

The University of Bayreuth supports the resolution of the Bavarian universities for respect and against discrimination, racism and anti-Semitism.

Read UBT's press release "Resolution for respect at Bavarian Universities" from 22 May 2024 (in German language)

On the situation in Israel (2023)

The University of Bayreuth supports the joint declaration of the Alliance of Science Organisations on the situation in Israel.

Read UBT's press release "Alliance of Science Organisations on the situation in Israel" from 13 October 2023 (in German language)

OFEK: Counselling in case of antisemitic incidents

OFEK e.V. is the first counselling centre in Germany to specialise in antisemitism and community-based counselling for victims. OFEK counsels, accompanies and supports those affected, their relatives and witnesses of anti-Semitic incidents and acts of violence. 

Visit the OFEK website (in German language, counselling also available in Hebrew)

Nationwide reporting portal for antisemitic incidents

The portal of the Federal Association of Departments for Research and Information on Antisemitism serves to record antisemitic incidents. Counselling and support is offered on request.

Visit the Reporting portal for anti-Semicit incidents

B.U.D.: Counselling, support and documentation for victims of right-wing violence in Bavaria

B.U.D. is an independent point of contact for victims of right-wing, racist & antisemitic violence in Bavaria.

Visit the  B.U.D. website

Weisser Ring

Weisser Ring [White Ring] offers help and support for victims of criminal violence through voluntary counsellors on the phone, online and on site.

Visit the  Weisser Ring website (in German language)

IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism (2016)

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) was established in 1998 in Stockholm. Its aim is to promote Holocaust education, research, and remembrance on a global scale. In 2016, the annual IHRA Plenary adopted the definition of antisemitism which had originally been developed in 2005 by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC). The objective was to create an internationally recognised, practical working definition to support the identification and combating of antisemitism.

The definition, which is supplemented by eleven illustrative examples, reads:

"Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."

The IHRA definition has now been officially recognized by over 40 countries, including Germany, the USA, the UK and Israel, and the German government uses the definition as a basis for educational work, law enforcement and international cooperation.

Read the full Working Definition of Antisemitism on the website of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance

Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (2021)

The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism is a document that seeks to clarify the boundaries of antisemitic speech and behaviour, particularly in relation to Zionism, Israel, and Palestine. It was developed in response to the view that the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism suppresses legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and restricts freedom of expression. The drafting of the Declaration was initiated in June 2020 under the auspices of the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. Upon completion, it was signed by around 200 scholars and published in March 2021.

The definition, which is accompanied by 15 guidelines, reads:

"Antisemitism is discrimination, prejudice, hostility or violence against Jews as Jews (or Jewish institutions as Jewish)."

The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism has been welcomed by some as a necessary correction or complement to the IHRA Working Definition, as it more clearly distinguishes between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of Israel. On the other hand, it has been criticised for downplaying antisemitic narratives and for providing political actors with a tool to legitimise anti-Israel positions.

Read the full Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism on the website jerusalemdeclaration.org