In the seminars listed below, students from all disciplines can earn credits as part of the Studium Generale. The seminars for students are designed by the Mideast Freedom Forum Berlin (MFFB) and conducted under the joint interest of Jürgen Schulz. If enough spots are available, other interested students from different universities can also participate. Here you will find an overview in the Studium Generale section, as well as further down in the internal educational offerings. The workshop for Lectures is also designed by the MFFB and will be conducted with their facilitators.

The MFFB has been active in historical-political education since 2015 and promotes a fact-based and democratic discourse on the topics of antisemitism, Islamism, right-wing extremism and the Middle East conflict.

In two block seminars (German/English; 2 sessions, each 4 hours) on the topics "Foundations of Criticism of Antisemitism" and "Foundations of the Middle East Conflict," participants will have the opportunity to engage with these subjects at an introductory level. In a heated political climate, antisemitism, often directed at the State of Israel, is increasingly expressed openly. The history and present realities of the Middle East conflict are complex, making black-and-white thinking and one-sided blame inappropriate.

Participants will learn to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israeli government actions and antisemitic statements, and to identify various forms of antisemitism. In addition to acquiring historical and systematic knowledge of antisemitism and the Middle East conflict, the seminars will also address art-specific aspects of current debates. Criticism of antisemitism is, not least, centrally concerned with reflecting on one's own (e.g., artistic, academic, or political) perspectives.

More information and registration for the seminar via Studium Generale.

In these four seminar blocks (in German/English) of 4 hours each, the following topics will be covered: European antisemitism was a central driving force behind the emergence of Zionism as the Jewish national movement advocating for a state where Jews could govern and defend themselves. This goal became a reality with the founding of the State of Israel in 1948.

At the same time, an Arab nationalist movement also developed, increasingly positioning itself in opposition to the Zionist movement. Understanding the Jewish-Israeli and Muslim-Arab claims to the land requires a historical perspective. The course will systematically introduce the key points of conflict (refugees, Jerusalem, borders/settlements, security) and explore potential future scenarios (peace agreements, the two-state solution, etc.) in the Israeli-Arab or Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As the seminar progresses, we will examine the debates surrounding the Middle East conflict in Germany, as well as the forms of antisemitism that have emerged in response to the State of Israel. This includes not only the discourse surrounding the conflict but also the rise of antisemitism in Germany since October 7, 2023. Finally, the course will engage with and reflect on current debates about antisemitism in art and culture.

More information and registration for the seminar via Studium Generale.

In these two block seminars, conducted in German/English (6 hours each), future educators will learn the fundamentals of antisemitism- and racism-critical educational work. Participants, especially teaching degree students, will engage in self-reflective exercises and in-depth activities designed to raise awareness of how to assess and intervene in cases of antisemitic or racist incidents in schools. The seminar will begin with a historical and systematic exploration of the similarities and differences between antisemitism and racism. It will then delve into art-related discussions and reflect on different pedagogical approaches.

More information and registration for the seminar via Studium Generale.

The current situation in Israel and Gaza once again highlights how quickly and severely the Arab-Israeli conflict can escalate. While the societal reality of the Middle East conflict is not the cause of Israel-related antisemitism, real crises in the Arab-Israeli conflict also lead to polarizing debates and clashes of opinion in politics, media, and society here as well. In this political climate, antisemitism related to the State of Israel is becoming increasingly overt. Many find it difficult to discern the line between legitimate criticism of Israeli government actions and antisemitic resentments, as navigating the complex history of the conflict often seems daunting and overwhelming. This lecture offers guidance in understanding the issue and helps distinguish between justified criticism, prejudices, and misinformation.

Friday, October 25, 2024
2:00-4:00 PM
Lecture Hall 158
Hardenbergstraße 33, 10623 Berlin

Please register at: seminar_ @mideastfreedomforum.org

Provided there is sufficient space capacity, employees from all departments of UdK Berlin are warmly invited to participate.

Speakers from the Mideast Freedom Forum Berlin (MFFB):

Jahne Nicolaisen and Michael Spaney

Jahne Nicolaisen works as Program Director and speaker for the MFFB's 'Educational Module Israel' project. His areas of focus include antisemitism, Islamism, and right-wing extremism. Nicolaisen earned his Master's degree in Political Science from Freie Universität Berlin.

Michael Spaney has been the Chairman and Director of the MFFB since 2008 and is also a speaker for the 'Educational Module Israel' project. Before his work with the MFFB, Spaney worked as a television journalist and as a director and dramaturge at various German theaters. Most recently, he published a study on the portrayal of Israel in Berlin school textbooks (2023, available for download on the MFFB website) and the article 'The Middle East Conflict: Distorted Images, Myths, and Facts' in Julia Bernstein's Antisemitism in Schools in Germany: Findings – Analyses – Action Options, Beltz Publishing Group, Weinheim 2020.

Here you will find a selection of external workshops and seminars from our network.

Dates:
Opening Event: Tuesday, October 8th, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
1st Workshop: Tuesday, November 5th, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
2nd Workshop: Tuesday, December 10th, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
3rd Workshop: Tuesday, January 14th, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
4th Workshop: Tuesday, February 11th, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
5th Workshop: Tuesday, March 11th, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Location:
Adult Education Center (Volkshochschule) Treptow-Köpenick.
The exact location of the workshops will be provided upon confirmation of registration.

Registration:
To register, please contact the Antisemitism Commissioner for the District Office of Treptow-Köpenick, Mr. Arie Shulov. Space is limited.
Registration via email: Arie.Shulov@ba-tk.berlin.de

Target Audience:
Primarily professionals from district administration in Treptow-Köpenick. If spaces remain available, we are happy to open registration to others outside the administration who are interested.

Cost:
Participation in the workshop series is free of charge. A certificate of participation will be issued after completing the series.

“Can you recognize antisemitism?”

“Do you notice antisemitic situations in your (work) environment?”
“What professional actions can you, as an administrative professional, take in response to antisemitic language and incidents?”
“How can you support those affected by antisemitism?”

Since the massacre on October 7th, antisemitism has become more overt. The increase in antisemitic situations and crimes is evident in all areas of life and social institutions. The five-part training series, "Professional Approaches to Combating Antisemitism," offers participants an in-depth engagement with the history and contemporary manifestations of antisemitic structures and provides space for self-reflection and practical reflection. The goal of the series is to strengthen participants' perception, interpretation, and confidence in addressing antisemitism in their professional lives. The five modules are held monthly on Tuesdays from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and build on each other.

Training Module Descriptions:
Opening Event (October 8, 2024):
At our opening event on October 8th, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., we invite interested administrative professionals (especially from the district of Treptow-Köpenick) who seek support in developing a professional approach to antisemitism. Together, we will exchange on gaps and needs in addressing antisemitism. There will be space to share personal experiences, reflect on your relationship with the phenomenon of antisemitism, and formulate focus topics for future workshops where we aim to engage with antisemitism more deeply and based on specific needs.

1. What is Antisemitism? (November 5, 2024):
For many years, antisemitism in Germany was considered a historical and thus past phenomenon. However, antisemitic structures still exist today and have real impacts on the lives of those affected. The massacre on October 7th and the growing antisemitic threat since have profoundly changed the lives of Jews. Through media coverage and social networks, the war in Israel and Gaza is impacting social relationships even here. Antisemitic justifications frame the reception of both antisemitism and the Middle East conflict. Increasingly, antisemitic incidents are happening in private, public, and workspaces, as well as schools and universities. In the first part of the workshop series, we will explore how antisemitism is expressed today and deepen our understanding of antisemitism to perceive and interpret its specific effects. We will also reflect on our own experiences and connections with the topic.

2. Antisemitism and Racism: Two Different Phenomena? (December 10, 2024):
Antisemitism and racism are historically developed systems of violence. While there are many similarities in the history and structure of these two phenomena, there are also differences. Often, these phenomena are compared and even equated. In the second part of the workshop series, we will explore these questions. Antisemitism and racism are interlinked violent structures, manifesting daily as violence and discrimination. Despite their historical connections, it is essential to focus on the specific functions and effects of both antisemitism and racism. This part of the series offers space for discussion and understanding of the similarities and differences between antisemitism and racism.

3. Antisemitism Related to Israel (January 14, 2025):
Following the massacre, there has been an increase in incidents in Germany that are justified with antisemitic and anti-Zionist narratives. However, the history of Israel-related antisemitism began much earlier. Fueled by recent developments in the war in Israel and Gaza, antisemitic groups and movements are now forming. Incidents and crimes are explained and legitimized by the Middle East conflict. In this third module, building on the first two, we will explore open questions surrounding this dimension of antisemitism. Together, we will engage in discussions and attempt to provide context.

4. How Do I Address Antisemitism in the Workplace? (February 11, 2025):
Antisemitism is not just an attitude but a structural problem. Incidents within institutions are symptoms of the societal relevance and persistence of antisemitism beyond specific institutions. It's not uncommon for Jews to leave schools or workplaces due to problematic handling of antisemitism. In this fourth part of the series, we will focus on strategies for preventing and addressing antisemitism within institutions. The focus will be on actions that can be taken by an institution or workplace collective. We will also consider possibilities for anti-antisemitism organizational development.

5. How Do I Respond to Antisemitic Situations? (March 11, 2025):
When antisemitic situations arise, they are often overwhelming for those involved. The effects of antisemitism on victims often lead to uncertainty. To develop a sensitive and professional response to antisemitism, this final workshop will address prevention and intervention strategies. Continuing from the fourth module, we will explore individual-level strategies and actions to combat antisemitism.

The workshops are organized by the project "ACT against Violence" from the Competence Center for Antisemitism-Critical Education and Research, in cooperation with OFEK e.V., the Berlin counseling center for antisemitic violence and discrimination, and the Antisemitism Commissioner for Treptow-Köpenick. The series is made possible through funding from the State Office for Equal Treatment – Against Discrimination.

Speakers: Beate Klammt, Lior Ahlvers, and Gabi Valaczkay (ACT against Violence)

The University of Fine Arts Saar invites you to a public lecture series on the cultural phenomenon of antisemitism in the winter semester 2024/2025.

Antisemitism is a phenomenon that has accompanied European cultures for 3,000 years. In the contemporary art and cultural scene, various forms of antisemitism can also be encountered, whether religious, racist, or politically motivated.

As part of the interdisciplinary lecture series, elements of antisemitism will be examined from the perspectives of art, history, social sciences, law, political science, and philosophy. The latest findings from antisemitism research will be presented and analyzed with regard to their implications for contemporary cultural life and current art discourse.

Here you will find the program and registration details.

Following the attack by the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, there has been a noticeable increase in antisemitic remarks and acts of violence worldwide. In addition to the resurgence of well-known antisemitic stereotypes, Israel-related antisemitism has particularly gained prominence. This lecture series aims to analyze the functional logic of modern antisemitism and shed light on its societal impacts.

Tue, 22.10.24
Antisemitic Prejudices and Resentments
Prof. Dr. Julia Bernstein, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

Wed, 27.11.24
Antisemitism, Law, and Legal Policy
Volker Beck, Tikvah Institute

Wed, 11.12.24
Antisemitism and Social Media
Johannes Sosada, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

Wed, 15.01.25
Antisemitism and Language
Prof. Dr. Monika Schwarz-Friesel, Technical University of Berlin

Wed, 29.01.25
Antisemitism, Trauma, and Transgenerationality
Prof. Dr. Yvonne Brandl, Catholic University of North Rhine-Westphalia

Time: Winter Semester 2024/25, each session from 18:00 to 19:15
Location: On Zoom at
https://eu02web.zoom-x.de/j/63896483318

Moderation: Prof. Dr. Vladimir Shikhman, Technical University of Chemnitz