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The lettering “Free University of Berlin” can be seen on the facade of a university building.
© Monika Skolimowska/dpa
The attack on FU student Lahav Shapira is fueling a political debate.
Now the university is drawing conclusions.
Berlin - One week after the attack on a Jewish student, the Free University of Berlin has drawn conclusions.
After the violent attack in Berlin-Mitte, which was allegedly anti-Semitic, the university issued a ban on the suspect in order to protect university members on campus.
The university announced this on Friday evening.
The house ban applies to the entire campus for three months and can be extended.
The Jewish FU student Lahav Shapira was hospitalized last weekend with broken bones in his face.
A 23-year-old pro-Palestinian fellow student is said to have hit and kicked him on a street in Berlin-Mitte.
The public prosecutor's office assumes a targeted attack and an anti-Semitic background.
The case has been shaking up the city for days and is also putting the management of the FU under pressure.
After the crime, FU President Günter M. Ziegler expressed his horror and condemned the crime.
“Our condolences go out to the victim and his family.
We wish him a speedy and complete recovery,” Ziegler said, according to the statement.
Unrestricted solidarity applies to all victims of anti-Semitic hostility and violence.
“In view of the crime, the suspect would be perceived as a threat on the university campus,” said Ziegler.
“To protect the members of the university and to ensure peace at the university, the house ban that has now been issued for an initial period of three months is essential.” Online teaching formats are not affected by the university’s decision, it said.
According to the university, around 40,000 people from more than 150 nations with different origins and religious affiliations study, teach, research and work at the university.
“This diversity shapes the university’s self-image,” it said.
“Humanity, respect and tolerance are the cornerstones of our community.
Anti-Semitism of any form, racism and discrimination will not be tolerated.”
In the dispute over the consequences, the Central Council of Jews suggested that Berlin's Science Senator Ina Czyborra (SPD) resign.
“I am convinced that Ms. Czyborra is no longer suitable for her office,” said Central Council President Josef Schuster to the “Tagesspiegel”.
Schuster particularly criticized the fact that the senator initially saw no reason to change the Berlin Higher Education Act.
However, the President of the Free University asked politicians that in extreme cases such as the anti-Semitic attack, universities should again be given the opportunity to deregister the perpetrators.
According to the Anti-Semitism Research and Information Center (Rias), the attack is a case of extreme anti-Semitic violence, but not an isolated case.
“The Shapira case has a very high media significance, also because it follows a situation at the university of both parties involved,” said Berlin Rias project manager Benjamin Steinitz to the German Press Agency.
“But in the logic that Jews are collectively associated with Israel and are openly hostile to it, this case does not stand out.”
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Since Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th, there have already been twelve attacks and another case of extreme violence in Berlin.
There are many cases, said Steinitz.
“In 2022, we documented 21 attacks and one case of extreme violence throughout the year.” Rias speaks of extreme violence when violent perpetrators risk serious damage to the victim’s health or even the death.
On Friday, according to police, around 100 people came together for a silent protest at the FU and pointed out that Jewish students were often worried about their safety.
Among the participants were the Green Party leader Ricarda Lang and the CDU politician Ottilie Klein.
There were no incidents or counter-demonstrators.
Green Party leader Lang said on the sidelines of the vigil that it was “a signal against looking the other way.”
It is important to act consistently and permanently when dealing with any type of anti-Semitism.
Central Council President Schuster had also spoken out in favor of expelling the alleged perpetrator.
However, this is not possible under the current legal situation.
The Higher Education Act stipulates a maximum of a three-month house ban.
That is why there is now a debate as to whether the law needs to be tightened up.
Science Senator Czyborra initially rejected calls for tougher rules or exmatriculation and called for sobriety in the debate.
On Thursday, the Senate Chancellery published a joint press release with Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU).
In it, Czyborra appeared open to “additional, far-reaching instruments”.
The Middle East conflict is also causing tensions at other universities.
On Thursday evening, a joint event between the Humboldt University and the Hertie School, to which an Israeli constitutional judge was invited, was canceled.
According to the universities, pro-Palestinian activists gave a protest speech and permanently disrupted the panel discussion.
dpa