Berlin university bans suspect in Jewish student attack from campus

The Free University (FU) announced on Friday that it is banning for three months the suspect of an attack on a fellow FU student who is Jewish to protect the campus community.

"In view of the offence, the suspect would be perceived as a threat on the university campus," FU President Günter Ziegler said in a statement.

"In order to protect the members of the university and to safeguard the peace of the university, the ban that has now been imposed for an initial period of three months is indispensable."

The ban can be extended. Online teaching formats are not affected by the university's decision, the FU said.

Jewish FU student Lahav Shapira was hospitalized last weekend with broken bones in his face. A 23-year-old pro-Palestinian fellow student, who is German, is said to have punched and kicked him on a street in Berlin-Mitte.

The public prosecutor's office is assuming a targeted attack and an anti-Semitic background. The case has been shaking up the city for days and is also putting pressure on the management of the FU.

The Central Council for Jews in Germany has called on the FU to expel the student, but the university has said it cannot do so under German law.

After the attack, Ziegler expressed his horror and condemned the offence. "Our sympathies go out to the victim and his relatives. We wish him a speedy and full recovery," said Ziegler according to a statement. Unrestricted solidarity is extended to all victims of anti-Semitic hostility and violence.

According to the university, around 40,000 people from more than 150 nations with different origins and religious affiliations study, teach, research and work at the university.

"This diversity characterizes the university's self-image," the FU said. "Humanity, respect and tolerance are the cornerstones of our community. Anti-Semitism in any form, racism and discrimination are not tolerated."