Berlin is to have an anti-Semitism commissioner for all universities. The details are currently being discussed in the Senate, said Science Senator Ina Czyborra during a press conference at the Red City Hall. “I hope we will reach a result in the foreseeable future,” said the SPD politician. Recently, the Federal Government’s anti-Semitism commissioner, Felix Klein, among others, had called on the Berlin Senate to appoint a central anti-Semitism commissioner for the universities.
What is academic freedom, what is freedom of expression, and where does it end? “This position can help with that,” said the SPD politician. It’s also about advising universities on how to deal with antisemitism. How can awareness of the issue be further raised? What training courses and public events are needed?
Violence has no place at universities, Czyborra said. Antisemitism must be combated with all means possible. “Of course, the safety of Jewish students and Jewish employees at our universities is also a top priority.”
Conviction of Shapira attacker “extremely important”
The senator described the conviction of a 24-year-old man for the brutal attack on Jewish student Lahav Shapira as “extremely important.” It made it clear to everyone that outbreaks of violence have consequences.
The defendant admitted the act of violence in court but denied the accusation of anti-Semitism. According to the verdict, he punched his former classmate Shapira. As he lay bleeding on the ground, he followed up with a full-force kick to the head. The perpetrator’s defense has appealed the verdict.
