Simon Wiesenthal Center Condemns Assault on Jewish Student at Freie Universität Berlin; Commends Berlin Mayor Wagner for Swift & Strong Response

February 8, 2024

The Simon Wiesenthal Center condemned a recent violent assault on a Jewish student in Berlin by a German-Arab student at the Freie Universität Berlin, which resulted in severe facial injuries and necessitated hospital care. This attack underscores the urgent need for decisive action against anti-Semitism

Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, said: "It is utterly unacceptable that Jewish students face bullying, threats, and physical violence in Berlin, a city that should bear the lessons of the Holocaust with utmost gravity. The recurring incidents of bullying and violence directed towards Jewish & Israeli students at Freie Universität Berlin calls for a fundamental reevaluation of the university’s approach to combating anti-Semitism."

The Simon Wiesenthal Center commends Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner for his firm condemnation of the attack. The Freie Universität Berlin has issued a statement denouncing the attack and has pledged to consider legal actions against the assailant, pending confirmation of their enrolment. The Simon Wiesenthal Center offers its support to Freie Universität Berlin in devising and implementing strategies to ensure that educational environments are sanctuaries of free thought and scholarly pursuit, free from the blight of hatred and violence.

For further information, please email Michele Alkin, Director of Global Communications at malkin@wiesenthal.com or Erik Simon at esimon@wiesenthal.com, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed.

About the Simon Wiesenthal Center:
The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).