In light of the dramatic rise in antisemitism in Germany, calls for “more education”—in addition to increased repression—are frequently heard. However, what form this education should take is far from clear. The lecture will first examine the general relationship between education and antisemitism—after all, both historically and in the present, significant manifestations of antisemitism have existed and continue to exist among educated people.
It will then examine two educational fields—education on Nazism and the Shoah, as well as on the so-called Middle East conflict—that are regularly invoked as means of preventing antisemitism. These examples will be used to demonstrate that the educational goal of raising awareness of antisemitism is fraught with challenges. Some approaches, however, lead to the marginalization, rationalization, and even reproduction of antisemitism. They thus run the risk of reinforcing antisemitism rather than reducing it. This will be illustrated with examples.
The lecture is aimed at individuals working in education, as well as anyone else interested in the topic.
Kai Schubert studied Political Science and Antisemitism Studies, is pursuing a Ph.D. on antisemitism-critical education at the University of Giessen, and works in the field of political education.
The event is part of the 2024 Education and Action Weeks Against Antisemitism.
November 5, 2024
8:00 p.m.
loge.
Kinzigstr. 9
10247 Berlin