amira – anti-Semitism in the context of migration and racism

What’s it about?

«You Jew» is becoming the latest curse word among teens and anti-Semitic stereotypes are increasingly appearing in the media and in other social domains. At the same time, prejudices and fears are being expressed in contemporary debates on a «multicultural society,» about constructions of mosques, youth violence and social inequality. Complexities are over simplified and jumbled together; often one-sided accusations of blame on «the foreigners,» «Islam,» «the West,» or the Jews derive from these debates.

There are specific challenges for pedagogical work with young migrants. In their daily lives they are confronted with racist exclusion on the part of the dominant society, which shuts them out of equal participation in all areas of social life. However, this same experience of exclusion can also be used to form a critique of the inhuman treatment they receive. In light of this difficult environment it is especially important in to discuss anti-Semitism and various forms of discrimination without using stigmatizing clichés.

amira deals with the anti-Semitism of youth migrants whose families come from Muslim countries in the context of the experiences of racism, exclusion and discrimination. In the framework of the project, we cooperatively develop, in cooperation with the youth workers and migrant organizations, strategies and offerings for youth work from which all involved can profit.

How do we go forward?

Pedagogical concepts and strategies often lag behind contemporary developments. In multicultural urban districts many youth workers are unsure about dealing with anti-Semitic expressions and behavior of young migrants. At the same time migrants suspect that anti-Semitism will be perceived one-sidedly as «their problem» and that they will be consequently judged for it.

As a result, in the first phase of the project amira is investigating the parameters of the problem in conversations with migrant organizations and youth workers and the needs they have on site. From there we will develop in cooperation with partners a range of services for pedagogical specialists as well as concepts and materials for the youth work. Finally, we will test the materials and prepare them for publication.

Where do we stand?

amira supports collective discussions and approaches that are supported by the actors concerned and at the same time work against exclusion. It interests us why and in which thematic contexts youth express anti-Semitism and what role anti-Semitic positions play in their identity. This knowledge helps us discern which themes and contexts are relevant for a process that does not stigmatize youth. For us, it is about intervening in existing discussions and interrogating oversimplified identities («the Muslims» or «the Germans») as well as making various perspectives visible.

What do we want to achieve?

• Developing standards for a non-stigmatizing discussion about anti-Semitism among migrant youth in the context of migration and racism;
• Needs oriented support from youth workers in dealing with anti-Semitism and other inhumane ideologies;
• Cooperation among migrant organizations, youth work, the state and district governments as well as education providers;
• Development and publication of pedagogical materials;
• Achieving sensitivity to the ways anti-Semitism forms in complex contexts;
• Support for constructive communication about «difficult issues»;
• Support of equal cooperation with the goal of dismantling discourses that have the potential to endanger a democratic way of life;
• Strengthening of empathy and the readiness to change perspectives.

What do we offer?

• Cooperation in the appraisal of the extent of the problem and the needs of local actors as well as the framework for the effective handling of anti-Semitism in the context of migration and racism;
• Bringing together the stakeholders in the development of concepts and methods for publicly funded social work for youth;
• Focused events (open discussion forums for migrant organizations and youth workers; workshops and conferences);
• Continuing education on various topics (history of migration, racism, history, contemporary forms and contexts of anti-Semitism, methodologies for constructive debate);
• Information exchange with other practicing actors in the field;
• Topical publications, literature and materials;
• Developing contacts at other projects, associations and providers of political youth-oriented education work.

Contact

We are available if you have questions, comments, or suggestions. Additionally, we invite you to contact us in the case you would like to work with us on a specific project.

You can reach us at:

amira – Antisemitismus im Kontext von Migration und Rassismus //
Verein für Demokratische Kultur e.V. //
Chausseestraße 29 //
10115 Berlin //

Tel.: +49 (0) 30 275 950 23 //
Fax: +49 (0) 30 275 950 26 //
E-mail: info@amira-berlin.de //
www.amira-berlin.de

A Project of the Association for Democratic Culture (Verein für Demokratische Kultur e.V.).

amira is supported by:

• The Federal Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women and Youth

• The Federal Program «Plurality does one good. Youth for plurality, tolerance and democracy»

• The Commissioner of the Berlin State Senate for Integration and Migration