In April, on the campus of the University of Strasbourg, students discovered new graffiti overnight that read, “40,000 dead in Gaza, France complicit, stop arming Israel,” “Once a colonizer, always a colonizer,” “Palestine will live.” These messages replaced previous inscriptions on the concrete pillars of the buildings. The university president, Michel Deneken, stated that these graffiti appear daily since October 7th, and while it is uncertain whether they are done by students, they are removed each day after being documented. Despite not being openly anti-Semitic, leaving these messages could contribute to a harmful atmosphere, as anti-Zionism can sometimes mask anti-Semitism.
The University of Strasbourg, with around 55,000 students, is facing the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, followed by the Israeli army’s ongoing response in Gaza, has led to graffiti, blockades, reluctance to organize events, and even physical assaults. The university, while not in chaos, is navigating a difficult balance of remaining a place for discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while combating a resurgence of anti-Semitism. Since October 7th, sixty-seven anti-Semitic acts have been recorded in higher education institutions, twice as many as the previous academic year, according to France universities.
The tense atmosphere has led to concerns about rising anti-Semitism on campuses. In January, three young Jewish individuals were attacked on the Strasbourg campus while posting flyers for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. The attackers were aggressive and called for the removal of “Zionist fascists.” The victims, including a student named Sasha, were physically assaulted, with several complaints filed and ongoing legal proceedings. Despite the campus being mostly peaceful, such incidents have caused fear and anxiety, as Sasha experienced stress revisiting the site of the assault. The university community is troubled by these events that disrupt campus life and dialogue.
To address the increase in anti-Semitic incidents, universities are acknowledging the issue and working to combat hate speech. The president of France universities, Guillaume Gellé, highlighted the rise in expressions of hate and reassured that university leaders are not ignoring the problem. While the incidents may be isolated, they reflect a broader trend of intolerance and hostility. Dialogue and education are seen as essential tools in challenging prejudice and discrimination on campuses, but the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has heightened tensions and polarized opinions among students and staff.
The University of Strasbourg, like other academic institutions, is grappling with the complexities of promoting free speech while preventing hate speech and discrimination. Balancing academic freedom and student safety is a delicate task, especially in the face of global conflicts that provoke strong emotions and biases. The incidents of anti-Semitism on campus underscore the need for constructive dialogue, respect for diverse opinions, and a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. As universities continue to navigate these challenges, they must reaffirm their commitment to tolerance, diversity, and respectful debate to maintain a supportive learning community for all.
