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Antisemitic threats cause dismay – organization demands decisive action
The German-Israeli Society (DIG) Darmstadt reports that it is deeply dismayed by the recent incident at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. According to multiple media reports, a female student allegedly posted a photo of herself on campus with a deceptively realistic-looking replica weapon. She is also said to have shared content glorifying leading figures of Hamas and disseminating slogans that can be interpreted as calls for violence against Israel.
DIG: "Incident reinforces a climate of fear"
Philip Krämer, chairman of the German-Israeli Society (DIG) in Darmstadt, classifies the incident as a serious threat:
“This incident is more than just tasteless behavior – it reinforces a climate of fear in which Jewish students already experience their daily student life as stressful. Such actions jeopardize their subjective sense of security and contribute to the normalization of antisemitic violence and intimidation.”
The DIG welcomes the fact that the public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation on suspicion of incitement to hatred.
Criticism of the handling of anti-Semitic incidents
The German-Islamic Society (DIG) in Darmstadt warns that such incidents must not be viewed as isolated cases. They are part of a nationwide increase in antisemitic sentiment – including at universities. The DIG considers the weapons ban imposed by the university, which explicitly includes replica firearms, a necessary but insufficient step.
Anika Schmütz, board member of the German-Israeli Society (DIG) in Darmstadt, calls for further measures:
“A simple ban on weapons is not enough to effectively protect Jewish students. The university must develop concrete strategies to consistently prevent antisemitic threats, intimidation, and attacks. This includes clear rules of conduct, visible protective measures, and an unequivocal stance against all forms of antisemitic hate speech.”
Offer of support
The German-Islamic Society (DIG) Darmstadt is offering its expertise to Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences in developing preventative measures and educational programs. The goal must be to eliminate any space for antisemitic hostility and to guarantee the safety of all students.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
