On 29 June 2023, the Rectorate established the function of a Officer against Anti-Semitism at the University of Münster and appointed Ludger Hiepel for this newly created function for the first time. 

The Officer against Anti-Semitism initiates and coordinates preventive measures to combat anti-Semitism. He is in close contact and exchange with the Jewish Community, the City of Münster (including the Officer for Anti-Semitism Issues, Villa ten Hompel) and other institutions and associations active in the field of anti-Semitism prevention and education, and acts as a contact person.

The University of Münster is the first in North Rhine-Westphalia to appoint a representative against anti-Semitism. The University wants to be particularly vigilant in this field. Together with the city of Münster, which appointed a commissioner on anti-Semitism issues for the first time in 2020, among others, it is involved in creating sustainable structures against anti-Semitism.

The following two events are offered regularly.

© Ludger Hiepel

Haindorf Lectures

A public evening event of the University of Münster in cooperation with the Jewish Community of Münster, the Officer for Anti-Semitism Issues of the City of Münster on 30 January each year.

More events

What is anti-Semitism?

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

This is the working definition of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) adopted on 26 May 2016 by the plenary assembly of the then 31 member states.

The working definition is applied in many areas of public life and guides the actions of the Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the fight against anti-Semitism, among others. The Central Council of Jews in Germany writes: "As the central organisation of the Jewish community in Germany, we expressly support it and encourage organisations, associations, clubs, companies and other private and state institutions to adopt the definition in their individual fight against anti-Semitism." (Central Council of Jews, 29.06.2023)

Examples of anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic actions on the website of the Ofiicer against Anti-Semitism of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger).