At ASH Berlin, we recognize the importance of maintaining transparency in communicating the events surrounding the occupation of our Audimax on January 6, 2025, as well as the subsequent days of protest from January 7 to 9. Equally important to our institution is the continuous reflection on how all parties involved navigated the occupation, ensuring a thorough and critical—self-critical—review of these events.
To support this commitment, we have established this dedicated platform, designed to facilitate both internal and external communication. This platform will be continuously updated and expanded, serving not only as a source of information but also as a repository of institutional knowledge.
Additionally, we invite you to explore our dedicated webpage, Dealing with various racisms such as anti-Muslim racism and anti-Semitism at ASH Berlin. This resource consolidates a variety of initiatives and materials, including: statements and events addressing the developments in the Middle East, counseling services, procedures for reporting discrimination,learning and teaching materials, and research initiatives focused on combating anti-Muslim racism, antisemitism, and other forms of discrimination.
Statements from the University Leadership
Statement from the University Leadership on January 10, 2025
Statement from the University Leadership on January 7, 2025
Statements and Open Letters from University Members
ASH Berlin Community Voices Strong Support for University Leadership
Solidarity Letter Signed by 44 Founding Signatories
Dated: January 10, 2025
Statement of Jewish-(German-)Israeli Members and Alumni
Statement of solidarity with the Presidium of ASH Berlin
Dated: January 12, 2025
Information at a Glance (FAQ)
ASH Berlin management maintained close contact with police authorities throughout the occupation that began at midday on Monday, 6 January 2025.
On Tuesday, 14 January 2025, ASH Berlin President, Prof. Dr. Bettina Völter, held a debriefing with the police operations leadership to evaluate the collaboration between ASH Berlin and law enforcement during the occupation and the subsequent protest week.
Both parties acknowledged that their cooperation was consistently close, constructive, and effective. President Völter emphasized that the police presence in front of the university was perceived as supportive, and that the partnership was and continues to be greatly appreciated. Both sides expressed satisfaction that the occupation ended without the need for force, eviction, or any comparable measures.
ASH Berlin employed a division of responsibilities. Vice President Prof. Dr. Gesine Bär maintained daily contact — both via phone and in person — with on-site police officers and the operations team. During the protest week, which spanned 6–9 January 2025, approximately 30 telephone calls, 10 in-person meetings, and several follow-up discussions took place. These efforts built upon an established framework of regular communication between ASH Berlin and local police, initiated in the summer semester of 2024.
A social media video capturing a brief exchange between President Völter and a police officer on the evening of Monday, 6 January 2025, attracted widespread attention and commentary.
In this exchange, President Völter was ensuring the orderly departure of the 40–50 individuals who had participated in the occupation. Around 9 p.m., following approximately nine hours of protest, the University President’s Office and the protesting students reached an agreement to conclude the occupation.
At the time, President Völter assumed the police had no intention of entering the building or clearing it forcibly. Unbeknownst to her, however, the police’s operational objective was to secure all entrances to prevent additional individuals from entering.
The brief excerpt from the video, in which President Völter is heard stating, “We don’t need you here,” was directed specifically at the side exit, which is typically used only as an egress point. Her intention was to request a greater distance between officers and the exit to facilitate a calm, orderly, and expedited departure of the protesters. Following this discussion, the police adjusted their positioning in line with the university's request, supporting a peaceful resolution.
In subsequent days, the university leadership provided clarification regarding the context of the video to police officers on duty and the operations leadership. President Völter expressed regret over any misinterpretations stemming from her wording and noted her disapproval of the officer being recorded and the footage being disseminated without consent. She extended an offer to meet with the officer involved.
This incident had no adverse impact on the strong collaborative relationship between ASH Berlin and the police, which continues to be marked by mutual respect and commitment to constructive dialogue.
The leadership of ASH Berlin unequivocally condemns all forms of antisemitism. Antisemitic remarks or behavior have no place on the ASH Berlin campus under any circumstances. While the student body has affirmed its commitment to this principle, most notably through a banner displayed in the Audimax stating "No place for antisemitism," the university deeply regrets that instances of antisemitic rhetoric increased during the recent week of protests.
The Presidential Board has reached a unanimous consensus on the following actions:
- Instances of antisemitism that occurred during the protest week will be thoroughly addressed in collaboration with the involved parties and within relevant seminars at ASH Berlin.
- Jewish members of the university community, as well as those affected by antisemitism, will be actively engaged and heard in this process.
- ASH Berlin will continue to strengthen its institutional awareness and responsiveness to antisemitism through its ongoing partnerships with organizations such as Ofek e.V. and RIAS e.V.
- Educational offerings, including seminars and workshops on antisemitism, will remain a cornerstone of the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful campus environment.
Further information, including access to events, workshops, official statements, counseling services, educational materials, and research resources, is available on our dedicated webpage: Dealing with various racisms such as anti-Muslim racism and anti-Semitism at ASH Berlin. The webpage also highlights faculty expertise in racism and antisemitism research, showcasing the university's academic contributions to these critical areas.
ASH Berlin regards freedom of the press and broadcasting, as enshrined in the German Basic Law, as a fundamental right of paramount importance. The university remains unequivocally committed to upholding and safeguarding this principle to the best of its ability.
Through its Office of University Communications, ASH Berlin consistently makes itself available for media inquiries. Furthermore, the university actively communicates updates and official statements via this dedicated website section, which is regularly updated and expanded.
In line with this commitment, the university leadership has issued repeated statements addressing the public and media, while the Office of University Communications has responded promptly and comprehensively to press inquiries.
As of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, media representatives were granted access to the university premises upon request.
Members of the ASH Berlin Presidential Board were available on-site to engage with media representatives and provide insights.
Access to university premises by media representatives was granted under the condition that no photographic or video recordings were made. Any violation of this condition by external individuals or media representatives prompted the university to exercise its rights, including the prohibition of unauthorized recordings. These measures are in line with the university's duty of care toward its members.
On the evening of Thursday, January 9, 2025, an internal student event took place in the university’s Audimax, during which students conducted a reflection on the protest week. Consequently, media representatives were not permitted to attend this event.
On the first day of the occupation (Monday, January 6, 2025), the university administration established and clearly articulated a set of “red lines,” which were repeatedly communicated to the participants and whose observance was strictly required. The students were further confronted with the inherent contradictions between their proclaimed stance—that ASH Berlin upholds zero tolerance for antisemitism—and certain statements and actions observed during the occupation. The university administration also made it unequivocally clear that any criminal conduct would be reported to the relevant authorities.
Materials that contravened these “red lines” were systematically collected either directly by the university administration or, in some cases, by other university members following guidance. These materials were consistently documented in a thorough and methodical manner by the administration.
On the evening of January 9, 2025, after the students vacated the Audimax, members of the ASH Berlin Presidential Board, along with additional university personnel, secured materials left behind in and around the lecture hall to enable subsequent legal evaluation.
Following a comprehensive legal review, the President of ASH Berlin has thus far filed 13 criminal charges in connection with specific actions identified during the occupation. Additionally, six emails and four social media posts—constituting instances of digital hate speech targeting the President of ASH Berlin—have been reported to the police.
The Alice Salomon bust, located in the university's foyer, was temporarily adorned with a kufiya and inscribed with the word "Palestine" by activists. The university's administration categorically dissociates itself from this action. Both the inscription and the kufiya were promptly and completely removed by authorized university staff.
During the protests
As part of the protest week, information and offers of support were communicated to all university employees by email on 6, 8 and 9 January and later on 10 January as part of internal communication, with repeated references to the advisory services available. On 8 January, the President discussed the situation in detail with the Staff Council and responded to questions and critical comments. It was immediately agreed that all employees who wished to do so could make use of the home office until the end of the week after informing their line manager. In addition, a "sounding board" was held on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 - also as part of internal communication - where all employees of the university had the opportunity to share their impressions and ask questions to the Presidential Board (see below). On the same day, both the non-public and public sections of the Academic Senate received detailed reports from the university management and were able to ask questions.
On the very first day of their action, Monday, January 6, 2025, the occupiers were informed that the occupation and loud statements made during it could create fear among university members and bring to mind images of the violent intrusion of activists into the FU President's Office. The protesters were asked to be considerate and to respect the discussed "red lines". This was repeated daily.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, January 8, 2025, representatives of the StuPa and AStA as well as teaching staff were also included in the talks with the activists; the President reported on the monthly meeting with the Staff Council. This was done to further demonstrate to the protesting students that the university is made up of many different members and also to enable participation, dialog and the flow of information.
After the protests
On Tuesday, 14 January 2025, the Presidential Board held a sounding board online for all ASH Berlin employees to give all employees the opportunity to share their impressions and ask questions to the Presidential Board. It was possible to submit questions or comments anonymously via the Staff Council and have them read out. Over 100 people took part.
A sounding board will be offered for students on 23.01.25.
On Tuesday, 14 January 2025, the Academic Senate meeting (both in the public and non-public part) dealt with the appointment and the response to it.
On Thursday, 16 January 2025, on the occasion of the university's Open New Year's Exchange in the AudiMax, the topic was addressed in detail in the President's speech, followed by an exchange between the numerous participants and with the Presidential Board. Feedback and suggestions were collected in a structured manner.
In the regular meetings of the Presidential Board members and the Chancellor, reports are given on the week's progress and questions can be asked, experiences shared and discussed and criticism expressed.
It is also possible to arrange personal meetings with the members of the Presidential Committee at any time.
The university community will jointly develop and implement further formats for reflection and reappraisal as well as for continuing to deal with the topics of the Middle East, dealing with various racisms such as anti-Muslim racism and dealing with anti-Semitism at ASH Berlin.