Universität Hamburg Condemns Antisemitic Attack Against Visitor in the Strongest Possible Terms

9 May 2024, by Newsroom editorial office

Photo: Universität Hamburg / Schell

On the evening of 8 May 2024, an antisemitic attack occurred at Universität Hamburg after the public lecture series “Judenfeindlichkeit, Antisemitismus, Antizionismus - aktualisierte Formen antijüdischer Gewalt an der Universität Hamburg” (Judophobia, Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism—Current Forms of Anti-Jewish Violence). A visitor who had attended the lecture was physically assaulted and received medical treatment in hospital. The police were called. The University condemns this act of violence in the strongest possible terms.

University president Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren: “We are deeply shaken and condemn this antisemitic attack in the strongest possible terms. Universität Hamburg combats antisemitism and will respond swiftly and decidedly. The incident is totally abhorrent and completely unacceptable. We are in contact with the victim and wish her all the best for her recovery. The crime must now be investigated by the authorities. Universities must be places where students, employees, and guests can feel completely safe and secure.”

Universität Hamburg has submitted a criminal complaint against the suspected attacker and issued her with an indefinite ban from the University. The person in question is not a student at Universität Hamburg. The University has taken precautionary measures for future public lecture series events.

Universität Hamburg is actively committed to the protection of Jewish life and culture on campus and in academia: We are a place of exchange, discourse, and social interaction. We do not tolerate violence of any kind—verbal, physical—or discrimination and inform about services and measures against antisemitism.