Don’t look away: Würzburg against antisemitism

Antisemitism is not a marginal phenomenon, nor is it a chapter in a history book. It manifests itself in letters to the editor and conspiracy theories, in lecture theatres and on the streets – even here in our region. For many Jewish persons, the question of whether they can reveal their identity has long been part of everyday life.

With the ‘Würzburg against Antisemitism’ action week, the city’s universities, cultural institutions and initiatives aim not only to send a message, but to bring about change: they want to impart knowledge, spark discussions and offer a glimpse into Jewish life that goes beyond clichés and narratives of victimhood.

What images do we carry within us?

This question runs through the opening evening on Sunday, 25 October 2026, at the Johanna Stahl Centre.

At 5 pm, the exhibition ‘Gojfragility – Approaches to Jewish Life between Images and Perspectives’ opens. In it, photographer Linea Weber depicts Jewish life in contemporary Germany as it actually is, rather than as many imagine it to be.

At 6 pm, representatives from Würzburg’s universities and the Jewish community – including Dr Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany – will discuss the state of antisemitism on campus and within the wider community.

The subsequent panel discussion, ‘Jewish Life in Focus – Our Images. Our Responsibility’, will address fundamental questions: How are images of Jewish persons created, what power do they hold, and how can they be changed? Among those taking part in the discussion are Linea Weber, Rosa Jellinek and JMU Professor Frederek Musall. The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr Isabel Fraas, the University of Würzburg’s Anti-Semitism Officer.

Where education begins and where it can fail

Anyone who wishes to combat antisemitism must recognise it, particularly where it hides behind seemingly harmless patterns of thought. JMU Professor of Theology Barbara Schmitz will therefore explore, on Monday 26 October 2026 at the City Archives, the anti-Jewish ways of thinking that have persisted over the centuries right up to the present day. Afterwards, Dr Nadine Negri will present the Käte Hamburger College for Studies on Messianism (CEMES) at JMU, with a talk entitled ‘The Messiah between Napoleon and Trump’.

A key focus of the week will be on the places where attitudes are passed on: in schools and universities.

On the morning of Monday, 26 October 2026, trainee teachers can experience what critical education on antisemitism for teaching might look like in a seminar session as part of the ‘The Certificate in Critical Education on Antisemitism for Teaching and Schools’ (ZABUS) programme.

On Wednesday 28 October 2026, Judith Petzke from the Centre of Critical Education on Antisemitism (CCEA) and Dr Isabel Fraas will show teachers online how to recognise antisemitism in seminars and lectures and how they can respond to it.

On Thursday 29 October 2026, ZABUS lecturer Felix Krull will pose an uncomfortable question: what if well-intentioned educational work actually reinforces antisemitism? His online lecture, ‘Unintended Effects’, explores victim competition and paradoxical effects, and highlights what constitutes good pedagogy critical of antisemitism.

One week, many approaches

As well as lectures and discussions, there will be music, films, guided tours and workshops. Most events are open to drop-in participants.

However, registering secures your place and helps the organising team with their planning. The full programme, including all registration links and further information, is available at www.wue-gegen-antisemitismus.de.

The events are also open to students on the GSiK programme at the University of Würzburg and can be credited towards the ‘Freier Bereich’ module in the Department of Protestant Theology and Religious Education.