The Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the ongoing war in the Middle East, and the significant rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Germany are topics of public concern. The public discourse surrounding these issues once again highlights the importance of critiquing and preventing antisemitism. This makes it all the more important to firmly embed these topics in education and society. This process begins with teacher training. At the same time, universities themselves also have an important role to play. “As the Commissioner for the Protection of Jewish Life and Against Antisemitism here at the University of Hildesheim, it is a central concern of mine that we foster awareness and instill a critical stance toward antisemitism as early as the undergraduate level.”

Dausner also points out the difficulties he encounters in his role as the Commissioner for the Protection of Jewish Life and Against Antisemitism: “My concern is that the spaces for discourse are narrowing and extremism is on the rise. The university should be a place where discourse is opened up and we discuss together how social cohesion can be promoted.” The professor is also concerned by the fact that many Jewish students are afraid to appear publicly at universities because they fear for their safety. 

At the same time, however, he also observes a strong commitment, particularly in the area of education critical of antisemitism at German universities. Compared to other European countries, he also perceives a high degree of openness and a willingness to engage in dialogue. “This is what we need to counteract such a devastating and fatal development within our society as the emergence and resurgence of antisemitism.”

As multipliers, teachers shape not only today’s schools but also tomorrow’s society. Schools are central sites of socialization and therefore bear a special responsibility. “As a mirror of social developments, schools are a crucial setting for prevention, education, and taking a stand,” Dausner emphasizes. The latter means being able to take a stand and being equipped to address even difficult social issues. The Catholic theologian also explores this concept of “attitude” in his scholarly work.

It also appears in one of the most important texts of the Second Vatican Council. In the conciliar declaration *Nostra Aetate* (*In Our Time*), the term *habitudo* can be translated as “attitude” or “relationship” toward non-Christian religions. Dausner interprets this as follows: “This concept thus also carries an eminently political significance, because it concerns the question of living together.” Dausner explores this idea in greater depth in his courses, such as those offered as part of the ZABIN certificate program. The concept of “attitude” helps students become aware of the importance of religion and interreligious dialogue for peaceful coexistence. 

Education that addresses anti-Semitism is thus a responsibility for society as a whole, affecting schools as well as universities. Projects such as ZABIN and an upcoming symposium on anti-Semitism prevention are intended to help raise awareness among prospective teachers about this task and equip them with the confidence to address anti-Semitism effectively.

Further Information

Since the 2025–2026 winter semester, the statewide extracurricular certificate program ZABIN has been running for teacher education students in Lower Saxony. Across universities, 80 to 90 students are currently attending interdisciplinary courses and seminars focused on preventing antisemitism in schools. More information here.

In addition, the second symposium on the prevention of antisemitism will take place from Wednesday, September 2, through Thursday, September 3, 2026—organized in cooperation between the University of Hildesheim and the Lower Saxony State Institute for School Quality Development (NLQ). This professional development event is aimed at teachers, educational professionals, and anyone actively involved in shaping the school environment. The goal is to equip participants to recognize and classify antisemitism in its various forms and to take effective action against it. More information is available here.