Foundation Expresses Concern Over Anti-Semitism at Universities

According to a survey, 85 percent of Jewish students in Germany who were surveyed have at some point concealed their Jewish identity. This is according to the Amadeu Antonio Foundation’s report on the situation at German universities. This percentage is higher than the comparative figures for Europe (80 percent) and worldwide (78 percent). In addition, about one in three respondents stated that they knew Jewish fellow students who had been physically threatened. The survey is not representative, and the data is more than a year old.

The figures are based on a survey by the American organization “Anti-Defamation League,” which, according to its own statements, works to combat discrimination against Jews. The analysis for Germany included responses from 205 Jewish students who reported studying at a German university.

As the foundation reported, based on a survey by the Federal Association of Research and Information Centers on Antisemitism (RIAS), a total of 1,056 antisemitic incidents were reported at universities between 2022 and 2025. This reveals a significant increase: While there were 23 cases in 2022, the number rose to 151 in 2023 and to 458 in 2024. Last year, 424 incidents were reported.

With its situation report, the Amadeu Antonio Foundation examines the development of antisemitism in Germany once or twice a year, each time with a different focus. This year, the focus is on universities.

Foundation: German Universities as a Site of “Anti-Semitic Mobilization”

The foundation views psychological and physical violence against Jews as a threat to academic freedom and freedom of science. Since October 7, 2023, German universities have become a “central site of anti-Semitic mobilization,” says Nikolas Lelle of the Amadeu Antonio Foundation. 

Three years ago, fighters from Hamas and other extremist organizations killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 250 others hostage, abducting them to Gaza. The unprecedented attack triggered the Gaza War.

Lelle advocated for mandatory protection measures at universities. This includes appointing an anti-Semitism officer. Training programs to combat anti-Semitism must also become mandatory. The Amadeu Antonio Foundation has launched its 23rd Action Weeks Against Anti-Semitism under the slogan “For a Campus Free of Anti-Semitism”. Around 250 events against anti-Semitism are planned at universities nationwide through November.