The focus of antisemitism prevention at the UdK Berlin lies in antisemitism-critical educational work. To provide a better understanding, here is a more detailed description:

While historical-political education on National Socialism and the Shoah has secured a firm place in extracurricular educational work over the past decades, the pedagogical engagement with contemporary forms of antisemitism is a comparatively recent development that has only been emerging since the early 2000s. For a long time, the engagement with antisemitism was primarily framed within the context of historical education. Today, education on contemporary antisemitism has become a distinct and differentiated field of action. Numerous approaches have been developed that critically examine familiar pedagogical methods and are tailored to the specific characteristics of antisemitism. Additionally, recent findings from antisemitism research have provided important impulses for this development in recent years.

The term antisemitism critique builds on the already established concept of racism critique. Central to this approach is the recognition that racism, as a structural principle of social reality, permeates both individual thought and action as well as society as a whole, implicating everyone within it. Based on these considerations, Astrid Messerschmidt establishes a connection to the pedagogical engagement with antisemitism and advocates for the attempt to “adopt an antisemitism-critical perspective and thereby develop an educational practice in which its actors are aware of their own involvement in both the history and present forms of antisemitism.” Several other scholars and educators have also called for greater awareness of one's own entanglement in historical and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, making this a central criterion of antisemitism critique.

(Excerpt from the material: „Antisemitismus? Gibt’s hier nicht. Oder etwa doch?“ – Educational materials on addressing antisemitism, available here.)

Through contemporary educational formats such as workshops, training sessions, and events, we aim to raise awareness about antisemitism, its history, and its modern manifestations. We place particular emphasis on dismantling prejudices and ideological fragments while sharpening the understanding of the difference between legitimate criticism and antisemitic ideology. Here you will find the educational offerings.

Furthermore, you can find additional guidance and insights in multiple languages in the brochure: "Recognise. Classify. Support." created by our cooperation partner OFEK e.V., available here.

To implement these initiatives, we collaborate with recognized civil society organizations, both Jewish and non-Jewish, specialized institutions, anti-discrimination offices, and other academic institutions to pool resources and realize joint research and projects aimed at protecting those affected and preventing antisemitism. Additionally, we seek to promote student initiatives and intercultural dialogues to foster exchange and understanding between different groups. More information can be found here.

The UdK Berlin, in collaboration with external experts and those affected, will develop and establish protection concepts to prevent antisemitic incidents and support those affected. This includes anonymous reporting options, allowing individuals to safely and confidentially report antisemitic incidents. We ensure that every report is carefully reviewed and promptly addressed, with an initial response provided within one week of the report.

As an art academy, we aim to harness the power of the arts to raise awareness and facilitate independent, action-guiding experiences. Through exhibitions, performances, concerts, and artistic projects, our students and faculty can engage with the topic of antisemitism and submit your ideas or specific events to us. These contributions make an important impact on understanding and dialogue and will be featured here.

We take a clear stance against antisemitism and actively show solidarity with those affected. Through our partnership with OFEK e.V., which provides specialized psychosocial, legal, and psychological counseling in the field of antisemitism, we ensure that those impacted by antisemitism receive appropriate support. In addition, our anti-discrimination guidelines, the UdK Berlin 'Code of Conduct,' available sanction options, and an internal reporting system for antisemitic incidents or observations are in place.