A new initiative aims to equip educators in Germany with resources to address a significant rise in antisemitism, particularly online, following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023. The organization democ e.V. Has developed a handbook, “Virtual Normalities – Israel-related Antisemitism in Digital Spaces. Background Knowledge and Pedagogical Practice,” to support teachers and educational professionals grappling with the issue.
According to a report from the Federal Association of Research and Information Centers on Antisemitism (RIAS), antisemitic incidents in Germany have increased since the October 7th attacks. The report, released in June 2025, documented 2,225 gatherings with antisemitic content between October 7, 2023, and the complete of 2024, compared to 1,636 such gatherings between January 1, 2020, and October 6, 2023. Israel-related antisemitism accounted for 89 percent of these incidents.
The handbook’s release comes as concerns grow over the spread of antisemitic content on social media, including videos, images, and caricatures that perpetuate old stereotypes, glorify terror, demonize Israel, or deny the country’s right to exist. A study examining the impact of the October 7th attacks on Jewish communities in Germany highlighted experiences of exclusion, threats, and anxiety in daily life, with many reporting feelings of isolation.
“The function of democ e.V. Is important for awareness-raising and preventative work,” stated Bavarian Social Minister Ulrike Scharf. “The increase in antisemitic hate, especially in the digital sphere, is alarming and directly affects many young people. Often, there is a lack of a multiperspective approach when dealing with the Middle East conflict. Educational professionals and teachers play a significant role in halting digital influence and radicalization. However, they often feel alone in dealing with this issue and face many questions. The handbook from democ e.V. Makes an urgently needed contribution to protecting and strengthening our educational professionals.”
The handbook provides theoretical background, practical recommendations, and strategies for addressing Israel-related antisemitism, including three sample lesson plans with accompanying materials. It aims to support educators who often feel unprepared to navigate the complexities of the issue and distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israeli policy and antisemitism.
democ e.V. Will host a workshop in Munich on February 26th to introduce the handbook and provide a forum for educators to share their experiences and challenges. Experts Dr. Marc Grimm, a social scientist, and Paola Widmaier, project leader of the Hessian Competence Program “Antisemitism Online” at the Anne Frank Educational Center, will deliver presentations. Dr. Grimm will address Israel-related antisemitism as a phenomenon of contemporary society, even as Widmaier will focus on strategies for dealing with digital antisemitism in educational settings.
Registration for the workshop is open until February 23, 2026, via the organization’s online registration form or by emailing anmeldung@democ.de, including name, email address, and institutional affiliation, if applicable.
