Large-scale study on antisemitism in North Rhine-Westphalia

A large-scale study led by political scientist Professor Lars Rensmann from the University of Passau and sociologist Professor Heiko Beyer from Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf has shed light on the spread of antisemitic prejudice and resentment in society. The study was commissioned by North Rhine-Westphalian Minister of the Interior Herbert Reul and North Rhine-Westphalian Antisemitism Commissioner Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger.

The study shed light on the different milieu-specific and situational manifestations of antisemitic speech and behavioural preferences and used the data obtained to record antisemitism in North Rhine-Westphalia in specific social and situational contexts, forms and dimensions. A total of 1,300 people in North Rhine-Westphalia aged 16 and over were surveyed using a quota system.

According to the study, antisemitic attitudes and prejudices are widespread in North Rhine-Westphalia. Depending on the question asked, between 8 and 24 per cent of those surveyed showed consolidated antisemitic attitudes. The approval ratings vary greatly between the different forms of antisemitism, which the researchers differentiated. Based on the results, the researchers developed recommendations for action for the work of the North Rhine-Westphalian Antisemitism Commissioner and the federal government, which will enable more targeted prevention work. Further academic publications are planned by the end of 2024.

In addition to a new, comprehensive questionnaire and the analysis of tolerated antisemitism the study offered further research innovations for exploring antisemitism in society. This includes experiments on antisemitic behaviour in different contexts. "Our evidence shows, among other things, how important primary group norms are to which people adapt, and therefore how important it is to maintain anti-antisemitic norms in society and to oppose the normalization of antisemitism," explains Professor Rensmann, who holds the Chair of Political Science with a focus on Comparative Government at the University of Passau.

He analysed the results as follows: “The study offers the most comprehensive findings to date on prevalence, forms and factors of antisemitism in society. The wide-spread acceptance of antisemitism, and particularly Israel-related antisemitism, among teenagers is particularly worrying.”

More information

Final report on the study ‘Antisemitism in the overall society of North Rhine-Westphalia in 2024’ (in German)

Report on the results in the digital research magazine

Interview with Professor Rensmann on the launch of the study