As a professional school for public policy and international affairs with students, faculty and staff from over 90 countries, the Hertie School is committed to its mission as a university and its core values. We strive to provide an environment for analysis, learning, critical exchange and debate, where all members of our community feel safe and invited to engage and contribute.
Since the horrific terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and the ensuing war in Gaza and the Middle East, we have been organising analytical discussions with academics and experts, offered workshops for our students and staff and gave members of the Hertie School space for respectful discussions and exchange. We are dedicated to providing all members of our community support in this difficult time and maintaining open dialogue and mutual respect in the School.
- 14 November / 8 December 2023
War in Israel and Gaza: Perspectives from the Hertie School Faculty
Hertie School faculty members Başak Çalı, Anita Gohdes, Julian Wucherpfennig and Adjunct faculty Gil Murciano shared their professional expertise to shed light on different aspects of the war and conflict - including legal, humanitarian, and political dimensions and the role of (dis-) information.
- 17 November 2023
Inside Israel – A Contested Government in Times of War
A conversation with Prof. David Levi-Faur, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who shared insights and analysis on domestic policies in Israel and the prospects for the Middle East peace process.
- 1 February 2024
The War in Gaza: The History of the Conflict and Palestinian Public Opinion
A conversation with Prof. Amaney A. Jamal, Professor of Politics and International Affairs and Dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, to discuss the history of the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, insights from Professor Jamal’s work on Palestinian public opinion, and the way forward for Gaza.
- 14 February 2024
The War in Gaza: How the Israeli- Palestinian Conflict is Reshaping the Middle East
A conversation with Prof. Lisa Anderson, Special Lecturer at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and member of the Hertie School’s Board of Trustees, to discuss how the war in Gaza is affecting the Middle East, and what it will mean for the future of the region.
- 27 February 2024
Implications of the International Court of Justice’s Provisional Measures in South Africa v. Israel
Event organised by the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights in association with the Centre for Fundamental Rights, Hertie School, Berlin, and the Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford, exploring the legal implications of the ICJ’s Provisional Measures, in particular their implementation by Israel, third states and international organisations.
- 11 June 2024
Anniversary Forum: Higher education and research in hard times
A panel discussion with Prof. Shalini Randeria, President of Central European University, and Prof. Joseph H. H. Weiler, Professor of Law at New York University, moderated by Prof. Mark Hallerberg, Professor of Public Management and Political Economy at the Hertie School, that discussed how universities should react to challenging world situations that can pit different groups against one another.
Collapse
- 24 November 2023
Informational workshop on Antisemitism and the legal framework in Germany with two experts Robert Kusche and Katharina Zachrau.
The workshop addressed the definition and manifestations of antisemitism as well as the legal framework in Germany. Robert Kusche is an Eexecutive MPA alumnus and board member of the Association of Counseling Centers for Victims of Right-Wing, Racist and Antisemitic Violence in Germany (VBRG) e. V. Katharina Zachrau is a lawyer and research associate at the Federal Association of Departments for Research and Information on Antisemitism (Bundesverband RIAS) e. V.. She is also a member of the interdisciplinary research association ASJust.
- 24 November, 27 November, 1 December 2023
Conflict management workshops for students: How to talk about it? Towards a respectful discourse to address the current conflict in the Middle East.
The workshop aimed to provide guidance in these difficult times, offering a space for reflection and discussion as well as to contribute to an environment characterized by mutual respect and solidarity. The workshop was facilitated by Simon Raiser and Björn Warkalla, the founders and directors of planpolitik, a Berlin-based agency for civic education.
- 11 July 2024
Conflict management trainings for staff
Also facilitated by planpolitik.
- 27, 28 & 29 August 2024
Workshops for incoming students during Welcome Week: #HertieLove - community, culture, values
During the welcome week, the new students participated in a workshop that focused on community building, the culture and values of the Hertie School as well as respectful communication and interaction in conflict situations. The all-day workshops were facilitated in small groups by Hertie School staff members based on a training concept developed in collaboration with planpolitik.
Collapse
- June 2024
Establishment of a Community Resilience Task Force
Establishment of a Community Resilience Task Force headed by Dean of Graduate Programmes with representatives from various departments, student representatives and peer advisors.
- 22 November 2023
Student initiative: Global Village Fundraiser for UNICEF
- 15 December 2023
Student initiative: Hanukkah Celebration at the Hertie School
- 11 June 2024
Anniversary Forum: Student voices
In the final panel of the 20 Years Hertie School Anniversary event, students were invited to voice their views on topics of their choosing in a discussion moderated by President Cornelia Woll. There were a broad range of contributions, but many students addressed the conflict in the Middle East and the Hertie School’s stance and reaction. The discussion also emphasised the importance of a culture at the university that promotes the open and fair exchange of ideas.
Collapse
If you're feeling any distress, the Hertie School is here to support you:
- The DEI Office supports and advises anyone who has concerns about or is affected by discrimination: DEI[at]hertie-school[dot]org.
- Our counselors provide mental health and psychological support; appointments can be scheduled through our Psychological Counselling services
- The Student Life Team is available for all students to assist with any other needs or concerns at studentlife[at]hertie-school[dot]org.