What is anti-Semitism? May I criticize Israel?
Anti-Semitism has a past of around 2,500 years and has various roots and manifestations. The term refers to attitudes and behaviors that testify to sweeping hostility and hatred towards Jews. Anti-Semitism has many faces: it can be religious, racist or politically charged.
Unfortunately, anti-Semitism is still present in Germany and the trend is rising. Many studies show that it is still deeply rooted in German society, not only among right-wing extremists. The hostilities are expressed in many ways, whether in the form of attacks on synagogues, desecration of Jewish tombs, or physical and verbal acts of violence against Jewish worshippers. Teachers are also confronted with anti-Semitic incidents outside the historical context. We have suggestions for you to raise awareness of the topic.
On its homepage, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation provides a dossier on the topic of "Anti-Semitism – On the Historical Background of the Current Debate" for download. The content helps to better understand the debate and to classify the different forms of modern anti-Semitism.
What is anti-Semitism? The article differentiates the term and uses modern (secondary) anti-Semitism to explain the subtle techniques used by right-wing extremist groups.
The Anne Frank Centre's knowledge check on the topic of anti-Semitism and Jewish faith is designed to be interactive and media-based in a good and appealing way for a young audience. The 9 questions and answers combine historical and current references for students. Check it out here.
"Boycott, divestment, sanctions". What is it? The brochure "Who is BDS and what does it want? A handout on the anti-Israel boycott movement" by the Anne Frank Educational Center takes on the international campaign, aims to educate and provide assistance for orientation and positioning. Demands and the means of the movement are explained. Download the brochure here.
The Competence Center for Prevention and Empowerment has developed a handout for teachers in cooperation with the International School for Holocaust Studies/Yad Vashem (Jerusalem). "Anti-Semitism? There's no such thing here. Or is it?" are teaching materials on how to deal with anti-Semitism from the age of 13.
The article "Teaching and Learning Material on the Middle East Conflict and Anti-Semitism" of the online platform Anders Denken - Political Education against Anti-Semitism: www.anders-denken.deaims to sensitize teachers to a critical examination of teaching materials that are free of resentment. Criteria are presented in order to be able to better assess learning materials in this regard.
The article "Visible Action Against Anti-Semitism: Israel-Related Anti-Semitism – What to Do?" von Anders Denken presents a (learning) method on current manifestations of anti-Semitism. Two scenarios reflect the experience of Jews with Israel-related anti-Semitism, which will be analysed by the students. You can watch it here.
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation's article "Hamas" is devoted in detail to the "Movement of Islamic Resistance" and provides information on organizational structures and goals. Check it out here.
Low-threshold offers on the topic
Behind MrWissen2Go is the journalist Mirko Drotschmann. He is an influencer who deals almost exclusively with politics and contemporary history topics. The 33-year-old previously worked for ZDF's children's news program "Logo", and his YouTube videos are designed in a similar style. His video: Hamas: The history of the terrorist organization explains the connections and reflects the complexity of the long Middle East conflict.
Anti-Semitism is ancient in history. But why does it still exist today? The video: Where does the hatred of Jews come from? gives answers to the questions.
