At many universities across Germany and internationally, the events in Israel and Gaza are continuing to preoccupy and mobilise students and employees, including at the University of Freiburg. In addition, some members of the University are themselves affected by the war in Gaza and Israel – whether through their background, family, friends or relationships with colleagues. The debates on the Israel-Palestine conflict are sometimes very controversial in public, in politics, in the media and also at universities. In view of this tense and, for many, emotionally charged situation, the University of Freiburg sees it as its task to contribute to a differentiated debate and understanding, to ensure a safe campus for all its members and to protect them from discrimination.
This Website brings together information, event formats and support services. We will be adding content on an ongoing basis.
Our identity as a university
The University of Freiburg is a place of fact-based dialogue, academic freedom, democratic values and humanity. We express our deepest sympathy to the civilian population in Israel and Gaza, who have become victims of war and violence through no fault of their own. Our special concern and solidarity go out to our University members of Israeli and Palestinian origin who are currently fearing or mourning the loss of family members, friends or colleagues. Last but not least, our thoughts are with the many researchers, teachers and students from Gaza and Israel who are being prevented from pursuing their mission: to develop and objectively share evidence-based knowledge, to acquire and pass on education.
We see ourselves as part of a global scientific community that is united by the conviction that its work can contribute to international understanding, scientific knowledge and reflection. It is an extremely valuable asset that we are able to fulfil these tasks on the basis of the German Basic Law, which guarantees us scientific freedom and the freedom of expression. We consider it our duty to strengthen and protect this space. Anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim sentiments and racism have no place at the University of Freiburg.
Guidelines for respectful dialogue
We all contribute to a constructive, fact-based dialogue that is characterised by mutual respect – even if opinions on political and social developments differ. These guidelines are intended to provide all members of the University with a basis and orientation for how we can enter into a respectful dialogue on this topic, even if understanding is sometimes difficult and agreement is not always possible.
We are aware that we are talking about the death and suffering of human beings. We will not look away. It goes without saying that we treat each other with respect and use language that avoids vilification and hate speech. Members of the University of Freiburg also grieve and worry about family and friends. Their personal pain should be given space and not relativised.
The University is a place of fact-based debate, where discussions and arguments can and should be based on scientific research. We are used to dealing with complex issues and recognise diversity of perspective as a strength. In the face of a highly polarised debate, we demand this diligence. This includes the fact that such a complex and long-lasting conflict cannot be captured by one-sided apportionment of blame. We are careful with historical comparisons and oppose the trivialisation of violence.
The safety of all University members is our common concern, which also requires clear boundaries to be drawn. We oppose anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim sentiments and racism. This also includes Israel-related anti-Semitism, which can manifest itself, for example, in the denial of Israel’s right to exist. We take these different forms of discrimination equally seriously and do not play them off against each other. We stand up for each other when people feel hurt, marginalised or threatened.
Support services for students and staff members
Discrimination
protect: Protection against discrimination and abuse of power protect@zv.uni-freiburg.de AGG-Complaints office: University of Freiburg staff ursula.seelhorst@zv.uni-freiburg.de
Personal crisis assistance
For staff
External counselling services, University of Freiburg:
Help with conflicts, crises
Mila Urschbach: 0761 203-4467 | mila.urschbach@agj-freiburg.de
Theresa Nentwig: 0761 203-4467 | theresa.nentwig@agj-freiburg.de
For students
Psychotherapy counselling services (PBS):
Studierendenwerk Freiburg Baslerstraße 2, 79100 Freiburg
Telephone: 0761 2101-269
pbs@swfr.de
Nightline – Listening hotline for students:
0761 203-9375 www.nightline.uni-freiburg.de
Discrimination counselling services
Anti-Discrimination office Freiburg
ADS – Federal anti-discrimination agency
Counselling in the event of anti-Semitic incidents and attacks www.ofek-beratung.de
Right-wing violence
Leuchtlinie Counselling service for right-wing violence
Personal crisis assistance
Arbeitskreis Leben Tel.: 0761 – 3 33 88, akl-freiburg@ak-leben.de
Bereavement
Trauerleben
Bereavement group for young adults TrauerLebenFreiburg@web.de
Trauma
Trauma therapy
Previous statements
In light of the protests at universities about the war in Gaza, an initiative organised by people identifying as students has also set up a camp in Freiburg. Read more.
Given the current political and social events surrounding the war in the Middle East, the University of Freiburg is also receiving an increasing number of enquiries, particularly regarding the role of the University and offers of help for its members. In line with the diversity of our members, the enquiries cover a broad spectrum of opinions. Read more.
The University of Freiburg Senate passed a resolution against racism and anti-Semitism at its meeting on 21 February 2024. Read more.
“We protect plurality and scientific knowledge from anti-scientific and undemocratic currents.” Read more.
The University of Freiburg condemns the terrorist attacks and endorses the statement of the German Rectors’ Conference. Read more.
Planned events will be published here soon.
