The German state of Baden-Württemberg has begun developing a multi-stage educational project targeted at preventing antisemitism, the state’s House of History announced this week.
The project, named “Anti-Anti 2.0,” is set to be structured around three main aspects: a participatory exhibition series, training and advice sessions, and a website.
The state, which includes the cities of Stuttgart and Mannheim, said it “aims to help navigate the confusing array of resources on the topic [of antisemitism].”
The House of History added that their inspiration for the project was a 1924 booklet called “Anti-Anti: Facts about the Jewish question” which offered tips and facts regarding antisemitism. It was designed so that people could pull the pages from their pockets, one by one, and use them to counter the disinformation and lies, the House of History added.
The House of History Baden-Württemberg also offers a workshop, for both schoolchildren and adults, titled “Antisemitism – Is it all in the past?” The course introduces participants to historical and modern antisemitism and teaches them how to recognize signs of Jew hatred.
Modern and historical antisemitism
The HoH website currently features sections on antisemitism, conspiracy theories, and Jewish identity, alongside links to educational videos, podcasts, and reports.
The Jewish community of Baden-Wurttemberg is one of the oldest in the country. An inscription bearing the name of “Nathan the Parnes” was found on the entrance to a mikveh (ritual bath), dating back to the 11th century. However, many of the state’s Jews emigrated in 1935, after the Nazi Party rose to power.
Only 180 Jews from the state survived the war; 2,500 were deported, 260 committed suicide before deportation, and 18 synagogues were burned to the ground.A few thousand Jews live there today.