The second rapid survey on antisemitism, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and conducted by researchers at the University of Konstanz, has revealed its findings, published in Berlin. A separate survey, supported by the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), also gathered data for the first time on antisemitic incidents and measures to combat antisemitism at universities.
The survey, conducted between 9 December 2024 and 7 January 2025, included 1,885 students and 2,031 participants from the adult population. The results revealed that antisemitic attitudes were found among six to seven per cent of students. Furthermore, forty per cent of universities reported antisemitic incidents, with universities citing significantly more cases than universities of applied sciences.
The majority of incidents involved graffiti, stickers, or posters displayed on university campuses, as well as antisemitic slogans at demonstrations. However, there were also isolated cases of verbal or physical assaults on Jewish students, as well as verbal abuse directed at Jewish lecturers. At five of the 94 universities surveyed, individuals were expelled due to antisemitic behaviour, and in some instances, expulsion was threatened.
“Antisemitism and hostility towards Israel must not be tolerated,” said Cem Özdemir, Acting Federal Minister of Education, at the presentation of the study. He welcomed the fact that most universities have established points of contact to address antisemitism. Georg Krausch, Vice-President of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) and President of Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, noted that universities have already implemented numerous steps to counter antisemitic tendencies.
Özdemir further stressed the importance of ensuring that Jewish students and academics feel safe at universities. He urged universities to use the study’s findings to strengthen preventative measures and remain vigilant in combating antisemitism.
