On Tuesday night, several Freie Universität buildings were defaced with red spray paint. The person (or persons) behind this act is as yet unknown. The graffiti in question included multiple inverted red triangles. University management strongly condemns the use of Hamas symbolism and has already filed charges. Professor Günter M. Ziegler, president of Freie Universität Berlin, has released the following statement.
"The Executive Board of Freie Universität Berlin strongly condemns antisemitism and the use of antisemitic symbolism - including that of the terrorist organization Hamas. We will not permit antisemitism, racism, Islamophobia, or any other forms of discrimination or violence at Freie Universität Berlin. We are resolute in our commitment to take action whenever these occur. As such, we have filed charges with the police.
Over the past few months, Freie Universität has been a place for intense dialogue, with multiple events dedicated to discussing the conflict in the Middle East from different perspectives. At Freie Universität Berlin, topics such as the Middle East, history, politics, society, and democratic processes (which also might involve demonstrations and protest) have an important place in academic discourse, in research, and in teaching. We are a university that thrives on dialogue and debate. We foster the kind of open and democratic culture required to discuss a wide range of topics, including controversial and difficult ones."
The Latin words veritas, justitia, and libertas, which frame the seal of Freie Universität Berlin, stand for the values that have defined the academic ethos of Freie Universität since its founding in December 1948.
Statement Issued by Freie Universität Berlin Regarding Antisemitic Graffiti
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