IPU Contra Antisemitism

Germany has witnessed a significant surge in antisemitic crimes since 7 October 2023 following the tragic Hamas raid on multiple kibbutzim in southern Israel, resulting in the loss of 1,200 lives and over 200 individuals being taken as hostages. It is imperative that we ensure such atrocities never occur again, both within our nation and globally. Jews must be afforded the freedom to move without fear on our streets, without the looming threat of attacks, the stifling of their voices, or the need to conceal their identities. It is essential that, regardless of one's origin, religion, or skin color, no individual should find themselves in a situation where they are subjected to such conditions in public spaces, workplaces, or educational institutions.

The German Rectors’ Conference (HRK; Hochschulrektorenkonferez) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD; Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), along with other institutions, have issued statements urging all university members to actively support this cause, emphasizing the need for concrete and solidary action, not just symbolic gestures (as per HRK). Similar sentiments have been echoed by psychoanalytic professional associations, including the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA) and the German Society for Psychoanalysis, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (DGPT). The IPU Berlin aligns itself with these statements.

The call for concrete actions showing our and solidarity, as advocated by the HRK, is gaining traction at our university as we commence the new year. This momentum is attributed in part to the proactive efforts of the student university group "kriPU" and dedicated faculty members. Additional details will be provided shortly.