Neo-Paganism, ‘Volkische Religion’ and Antisemitism II: The Religious Roots of Stereotypes

The Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the Seminaries for the Study of Religion and Philology, of the Eberhard-Karls-Universitat Tubingen, held an international workshop at the University of Tubingen from 27-29 October 1997.

The subject of the conference was Neo-Paganism, ‘Volkische Religion’ and Antisemitism II: The Religious Roots of Stereotypes. The workshop was a continuation of the discussion of similar topics at the workshop that took place the previous year in Jerusalem at the Hebrew University.

The participants of the workshop included well-known scholars from Germany and Israel, as well as postgraduates who presented their research projects.

Eight Israeli scholars, including Prof. Dalia Ofer and Prof. Shmuel Almog presented papers. In addition, Prof. Shmuel Almog’s public lecture at the auditorium of the university, which was entitled Der ‘Nichtjudische Jude’. Die Geschichte Einer Radikalen Typologie attracted much attention.

Seven scholars, headed by Prof. Hubert Cancik and Prof. Gunter Kehrer presented papers on “classical” and modern forms of antisemitism focusing on the Pagan, “volkisch” and scholarly reactions to the Jewish origin of Christianity.

The fine hospitality and excellent organization of the Tubingen conference created an atmosphere that made the Israeli delegation feel very much at home.

At the conclusion of the workshop Prof. Hubert Cancik and Prof. Dalia Ofer proposed that all the papers presented be collected and published, in light of the success of the workshop. A decision was also made to hold another workshop in two years time.

This third conference will focus upon the international character of antisemitic stereotypes, which will lead to a better comparison of national trends. It is very important to take into consideration that Neo-Fascist groups have strengthened their international contacts, and the movements cannot be combated by national efforts alone. Thus, to broaden the perspective of the discussion, scholars from other countries should be invited. It was proposed to hold this future event in a more central location, such as Vienna. Mr. Justus Ulbricht will present a detailed proposal for the coming workshop, within a three month period.

The general aim of the workshop has been to bring about an understanding of antisemitic stereotypes, both as a historical fact and as a contemporary threat, with emphasis on the religious dimension of the problem. Lack of tolerance, and the increasing return to nationalism and ethnic-religious hatred provide us with good reason to increase our efforts to understand and challenge the phenomenon.

SICSA: International Conferences Neo-Paganism, ‘Volkische Religion’ and Antisemitism II: The Religious Roots of Stereotypes. International workshop: University of Tubingen. 27-29 October 1997.

SICSA: International Conferences

Neo-Paganism, ‘Volkische Religion’ and Antisemitism II: The Religious Roots of Stereotypes. International workshop: University of Tubingen. 27-29 October 1997.