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When Jewish students prefer to use a different entrance
The accounts are specific. Students report antisemitic and anti-Israel stickers, graffiti and posters as well as intimidation in student-run spaces. The names and faces of Jewish students were allegedly circulated online, after which those affected were attacked. Slogans such as “Death to the Israeli armed forces,” crossed-out Stars of David and calls to hunt “Zios” can be found in restrooms and buildings.
One student reports that groups such as BDS Hamburg, Students for Palestine, Thawra and Young Struggle meet in AStA rooms and produce or store materials there for political actions. The AStA told WELT that it was unaware of the specific incidents and rejected the allegation that materials were being stored. Providing its infrastructure did not constitute political support.
This statement is part of the complete account. But it does not change the crucial finding: Several Jewish students independently report that they avoid certain buildings, withdraw from campus life or are considering transferring to another university. Some now prefer to use a different entrance—not for convenience, but to avoid conflicts and hostility.
410 antisemitic incidents at German universities
Hamburg is not an isolated exceptional case. The 2025 annual report by the Federal Association of RIAS documented 8,725 antisemitic incidents nationwide—an average of almost 24 per day. A total of 715 incidents were recorded at educational institutions, including 410 at universities.
By comparison, there were only 23 incidents at universities nationwide in 2022, followed by 151 in 2023 and already 450 in 2024. The figure was 410 in 2025. There can be no talk of normalization. The level remains many times higher than before October 7, 2023.
In 86 percent of incidents at universities RIAS identified manifestations of Israel-related antisemitism. Events, flyers, graffiti, stickers and political mobilization on campus play a central role. At many universities, the conflict over Israel is no longer merely the subject of political debates. It becomes a projection surface for classic antisemitic enemy images and the legitimization of violence.
The boundary is clear: Israeli governments and decisions may be criticized. Antisemitism begins where antisemitic images, standards and enemy classifications are transferred onto Israel and Jews—for example, when Jewish students are collectively held responsible for Israeli policy, treated as representatives of Israel or declared enemies as “Zionists.” Anyone spreading calls to hunt “Zionists” is not engaging in a passionate foreign-policy debate. They are marking people.
Hamburg is not an isolated case
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the Central Advisory Office on Antisemitism at Universities documented a total of 85 incidents in 2025—7.6 percent more than in 2024 and 240 percent more than in 2023. There, too, Israel-related antisemitism dominated, accounting for 74 percent. Among cases that could be assigned politically, references were found primarily to anti-Israel activism (26 percent), the left-wing spectrum (16 percent) and the Islamic or Islamist milieu (12 percent).
At the same time, classic far-right extremism remains a central source of anti-Jewish hatred. In 2025, RIAS recorded 807 antisemitic incidents with a far-right background nationwide—the highest figure since records began. Antisemitism has no single political home. The current dynamic at universities, however, is clearly driven by Israel-related, often left-Islamist activism.
Universities respond—and still fall short of the standard
The University of Hamburg points to its Center for Antidiscrimination, contact persons for Jewish university members, training programs and the rapid removal of unlawful flyers and graffiti. Criminal offenses are reported to the police. Hamburg’s science authority also declares combating antisemitism a priority. Since July 2026, Dr. Anna von Villiez has been Commissioner for Jewish Life and Combating Antisemitism.
All of this must be mentioned. Nevertheless, the standard remains simple: whether Jewish students can actually study freely and without fear. If those affected avoid buildings, make their identity less visible or withdraw despite existing points of contact, there is a protection gap. Organizational measures alone are not enough.
Academic freedom does not protect intimidation
Universities must withstand intense political disputes. Students may demonstrate, organize controversial events and criticize Israeli policy. But this freedom does not end only when physical violence begins. Freedom of expression and academic freedom are not a license for threats, antisemitic intimidation or the deliberate displacement of other students.
NRW Science Minister Ina Brandes put it succinctly: universities must be places where Jews can study and work without fear of discrimination and attacks. The Jewish Students’ Union of NRW made clear that non-Jewish students must not have to adapt to antisemitic conditions. The responsibility lies with the universities.
Silent displacement is already a failure
Antisemitism does not begin only with physical violence. Its effects start earlier—where someone no longer wears a kippah, hides the Star of David, avoids certain events or first considers whether it would be better to conceal their Jewish identity.
This form of displacement is less spectacular than an attack, but no less serious for society. When a student no longer asks which seminar is academically interesting, but instead which route across campus they can take with as little conflict as possible, something fundamental has already shifted.
Former Hamburg Commissioner for Antisemitism Stefan Hensel is calling for stronger legal instruments under university law. It should not be controversial at a German university that threats, violence and targeted antisemitic intimidation must have real consequences.
A free university must be able to withstand political intensity. But it must not accept Jewish students paying the price for it. When Jews conceal their identity, avoid buildings or leave campus, this is not a sign of a vibrant culture of debate. It shows that freedom has already become smaller for some students.
The standard is simple: No one has to like Israel. No one has to support an Israeli government. No one has to avoid political disputes. But at a German university, Jewish students must have the same basic normality as everyone else—to be visibly Jewish, to be allowed to disagree and to walk through the main entrance without fear.
ℹ️ Factual basis and primary sources for the article 📑
▶️ Federal Association of RIAS:
Antisemitic Incidents in Germany in 2025
Nationwide annual report dated June 17, 2026, with data on 8,725 documented antisemitic incidents and separate figures on universities, educational institutions, manifestations and political backgrounds.
▶️ University of Münster / ZeBA NRW:
Antisemitic Incidents at NRW Universities Remain at a High Level
Documentation of 85 antisemitic incidents at universities in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2025, including information on Israel-related antisemitism and politically assignable milieus.
▶️ Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg:
Commissioner for Jewish Life and Combating and Preventing Antisemitism
Official information on the office and on Hamburg’s Antisemitism Commissioner, Dr. Anna von Villiez, who has been in office since July 1, 2026.
▶️ University of Hamburg:
Center for Antidiscrimination at the University of Hamburg
Information on the university’s advisory and contact structure for antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.
▶️ WELT:
When the Lecture Hall Becomes a Zone of Fear
The starting point of the investigation, featuring accounts from Jewish students and statements by the University of Hamburg, the AStA and Hamburg’s science authority.
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