After our open meeting regarding right wing attacks against our University and the expressed need for discussion spaces, we’re happy to announce the following workshop by Isabel Frey:

Defining antisemitism: Challenges in times of authoritarian drift

How do we recognise anti-Semitism in its various forms? Where is the line between criticising Israeli policy and anti-Semitic resentment? And how can we position ourselves against the increasing instrumentalisation of the accusation of anti-Semitism for repressive and anti-democratic purposes – especially by right-wing forces?

In this two-hour workshop with Isabel Frey, we will take a critical look at various definitions of antisemitism, in particular the IHRA definition and the Jerusalem Declaration of Antisemitism (JDA). We will discuss how these definitions are applied in social debates and what impact this has on academic freedom, political activism and the rights of minorities.

The workshop offers a space for nuanced conversations in a currently particularly heated debate climate, which is especially noticeable at art universities. In the context of a global authoritarian turn and increasing fascist tendencies, the workshop provides practical tools to effectively combat anti-Semitism without suppressing critical discourse and socio-political engagement.

For registered angewandte students interested in finding their bearings in the polarised debate and advocating a nuanced approach to the topic.

• • Date: 12.6.25 (possibly additionally on the 18.6.)
  • Time: 10am 
  • Place: tba
  • Duration: 2h
  • Capacity: 25 spots
  • Language: English 

About Isabel Frey:

Isabel Frey is a Yiddish singer, songwriter, ethnomusicologist, and political activist based in Vienna. Frey holds a PhD in ethnomusicology and a position as Senior Artist at the Department of Folk Music Reserach and Ethnomusicology at the University of Music and Performing Arts, where she conducts artistic and ethnomusicological research on Yiddish and minority music. She is also the co-founder of the Jewish-Arab peace initiative Standing Together Vienna

Participation is FREE of charge and registration is open via this link from the 31.05.25, 10am CEST

Spots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis