In an Effort to Protect University Members on Campus, Freie Universität Issues a Ban Following the Alleged Antisemitic Assault on a Jewish Student in Berlin’s Mitte District

Following the alleged antisemitic assault on a Jewish student from Freie Universität Berlin, the university has banned the alleged assailant from its premises in a move to protect university members. The decision to do so was made official on Friday, February 9, 2024 - one week after the attack in Berlin's Mitte district. The ban from Freie Universität premises shall be effective from February 9, 2024, for an initial period of three months, after which it may be extended. The ban applies to all university property, but does not affect the assailant's ability to participate in online teaching formats.

Police and federal authorities are currently thoroughly investigating the incident, which took place on the evening of February 2, 2024, in Berlin's Mitte district.

Following the attack, Professor Günter M. Ziegler, president of Freie Universität Berlin, released a statement on behalf of the university's Executive Board. In it, he expressed his shock and horror at the brutal, alleged antisemitic attack on a Jewish student from the university and condemned the act in the strongest possible terms. On Friday, Ziegler said, "Our thoughts are with the victim and his family at this time. We wish him a speedy and full recovery. Our solidarity with victims of antisemitic hatred and violence is unconditional. After assessing the situation, we have determined that the suspect involved in this attack represents a threat to our university members. We consider this initial three-month ban from university premises to be a necessary move in order to protect the members of Freie Universität Berlin and to ensure the safety of everyone involved."

40,000 people from over 150 countries - and from many different origins as well as cultural and religious backgrounds - study, teach, and work at Freie Universität Berlin. Compassion, respect, and tolerance are the pillars that reinforce its community. The university does not tolerate antisemitism of any kind, nor racism or discrimination. It welcomes debate on its campus and strives to foster the kind of open and democratic culture required to discuss a wide range of topics, including controversial and difficult ones.