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11/08/2023 | Pressemitteilung

Visible appeal on the University campus regarding the conflict in the Middle East

The University of Kassel’s Presidential Board has made a highly visible appeal to adhere to certain standards in discussions about the war in the Middle East within the university. As of today (November 8), this appeal is displayed, in German and English, on two banners that hang on the main campus.

Image: University of Kassel.
The University's senate.

These banners read, among other things: “It is clear to us: The right of the State of Israel to exist is not to be questioned. The right of the Palestinians to their own state is not to be questioned. Any Nazi comparisons are inadmissable. Just like any other form of anti-Semitism and hostility towards Muslims.

The Presidential Board is thereby adopting points that were recently formulated by the director of the Anne Frank Educational Centre (Bildungsstätte Anne Frank), Meron Mendel, and his wife, the political scientist Saba-Nur Cheema. Last Friday, the presidential board sent out an email to all students and university employees calling on them to adhere to these standards. The University Senate today backed the Board's approach.

Therein, the University’s president Prof. Dr. Ute Clement explains the Board’s approach as follows: “The war in the Middle East has a direct impact on our university and is drastically changing the lives of many students.” She states that the conflicts visible on campus, just as across Germany, will not be ignored and that, at the same time, it must be ensured that students of all religions and nationalities feel safe. We are convinced that in times like these, we must take a stand and help to ensure that our university remains a place where there is no room for hate, violence and baiting.”

 

The full text on the banners reads:

THERE IS NO ROOM FOR HATE, VIOLENCE AND BAITING ON OUR CAMPUS

Many people from different backgrounds and religions study and work at the University of Kassel.

Universities are places of open dialogue, characterized by mutual tolerance and respect.

Arguments, reason - and humanity count.

 

 

IT IS CLEAR TO US

We do not look away when people suffer.

The right of the State of Israel to exist is not to be questioned.

The right of the Palestinians to their own state is not to be questioned.

The overall responsibility for the hundred-year conflict does not lie with just one party.

Any form of terror is to be rejected

Any Nazi comparisons are inadmissible.

Just like any other form of anti-Semitism and hostility towards Muslims.