“We are appalled by this brutal, alleged antisemitic attack on a Jewish student from our university and condemn the act in the strongest possible terms. Our thoughts are with the student and his family at this time. We wish him a speedy and full recovery.

We have full confidence that the police and other government authorities will thoroughly investigate the events surrounding the violent act in Berlin’s Mitte district. If the authorities confirm that the assailant was a student at Freie Universität Berlin, the university will take immediate action and pursue the legal measures at its disposal, including invoking its domiciliary rights (Hausrecht) to exclude and remove individuals from university premises. In the meantime, the university is doing everything in its power to ensure the safety of Jewish students on campus. Our solidarity with victims of antisemitic hatred and violence is unconditional. Freie Universität Berlin stands for openness and tolerance and distances itself from any and all forms of violence and animosity.”

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. Diversity is a cornerstone of our university. Compassion, respect, and tolerance are the pillars that reinforce our community. Antisemitism of any kind, racism, and discrimination will not be tolerated. As a university, we welcome debate on our campus and strive to foster the kind of open and democratic culture required to discuss a wide range of topics, including controversial and difficult ones.