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War in the Middle East: Counseling and support services for individuals affected

This page is intended for university members, prospective students, and guests of the University of Marburg who are affected by the war in the Middle East.

The wave of terrorist violence and brutality by Hamas that confronted the State of Israel on October 7, 2023 and the resulting war has brought great suffering to innocent people throughout the region. It was and is an attack on all individuals who stand for rapprochement and peaceful coexistence.

Our sympathy goes out to all individuals who have been affected by the consequences of the Hamas attack and the war in the Middle East, who have lost their loved ones and are still losing them or continue to fear for them – all over the world and in Marburg.

The University of Marburg is a place of academic discourse. Here, different points of view are exchanged, weighed up and controversially discussed. All forms of group-related harassment are not academic positions and have no place at our university. They are incompatible with our academic values, our obligation to act with empathy and our commitment to solidarity.

We act steadfastly and unambiguously against all forms of antisemitism and racism at our university, on our campus, and in our city. Our protection and support go to all Jewish and Palestinian people within our university community who stand for peaceful coexistence.

Counseling services

Note: If you are affected by incidents of group-related harassment at the university or have become aware of such incidents at the university, please contact our Office for Anti-Discrimination and Diversity. We will treat your information confidentially. Furthermore, the decision regarding how to proceed with the information you provide will remain in your hands. In the case of antisemitic incidents, various counseling services within the university are available to you: You can contact the Commissioner against antisemitism or the Office for Anti-Discrimination and Diversity. In addition, both the Research and Information Center on Antisemitism Hessen (RIAS Hessen) and OFEK e.V. provide advice to victims and witnesses of antisemitic discrimination and violence.

Office for Anti-Discrimination and Diversity

The Office for Anti-Discrimination and Diversity offers independent and confidential counseling and support for students and employees who have experienced discrimination and/or inequality at the University of Marburg. The office also advises victims and witnesses of antisemitic incidents or other forms of group-related harassment, such as antimuslim discrimination. Contact: adis@uni-marburg.de
Commissioner against antisemitism

The Commissioner against antisemitism is the contact person for all those affected by antisemitism at the University. She offers counseling, accompanies complaints and provides support in contacting psychosocial services. She is also always available for discussions, regardless of specific incidents and occasions. Contact: susanne.urban@uni-marburg.de
Research and Information Center on Antisemitism Hessen (RIAS Hessen)

If you have witnessed or been directly affected by an antisemitic incident, you can also contact the Research and Information Center on Antisemitism Hessen (RIAS Hessen). The information you provide will be treated confidentially. Contact: info@rias-hessen.de
OFEK e.V.

At the OFEK e.V. counseling center, individuals affected by antisemitism receive community-based counseling and support. Contact: kontakt@ofek-beratung.de
Antidiscrimination counseling in Hesse (ADiBe)

Those affected by anti-Muslim discrimination can contact ADiBe, the antidiscrimination counseling service in Hesse. Contact: kontakt@adibe-hessen.de
Soul Marburg e.V.

Soul Marburg e.V. offers psychosocial counseling for all individuals who have experienced discrimination in society and/or the healthcare system. Contact: info@soul-marburg.de
Psychotherapy Counseling Center for Students

If you are experiencing psychological stress, you can contact the Psychotherapy Counseling Center for Students (also anonymously). Depending on your personal situation, you will also receive recommendations for further assistance and treatment. Contact: pbs@uni-marburg.de
Departmental student advisory services

If you have any questions about your studies or issues with examinations or participation in your courses, please contact your department’s student advisory service.
International Office

The International Office provides counseling and support to all students and university members affected by the armed conflict in Israel, Gaza, and the region. Contact: incomings@uni-marburg.de
Further support centers

Telefonseelsorge Marburg, Telephone: 0800/1110111, Online-Seelsorge (chat or email)

Outpatient Psychotherapy Clinic of the Department of Psychology, Contact: pam@uni-marburg.de

Statements of the University of Marburg

The University of Marburg is a place of peaceful and free coexistence and stands for international diversity, plurality, openness, and mutual respect. The university is a space for academic discourse in which different perspectives are necessary and important.

Like other forms of group-related discrimination, antisemitism is not an academic perspective. Antisemitism is incompatible with the values of the university and has no place on or around campus.

Statement of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK)

The HRK calls for decisive action against antisemitism at universities; November 15, 2023 (German)