The short animated films depict specific school situations in which various anti-Semitic incidents occur. They deliberately do not present idealised reactions, but rather create learning spaces in which pedagogical scenarios can be analysed, reflected upon and discussed. The video vignettes are supplemented by academically sound guidance materials for facilitators and lecturers in teacher training and professional development programmes, which provide contextual background, didactic ideas and methodological suggestions. The materials were first presented to a wide audience at the Jewish Community of Düsseldorf and are now available free of charge here.

North Rhine-Westphalia is taking a pioneering role in this regard and is gradually integrating VIMPLA into the pre-service teacher training programme (“Referendariat”). Introductory webinars for trainers have already taken place. NRW Minister for Education Dorothee Feller explains:

“It is intolerable that Jewish children and young people cannot feel safe in German classrooms and school playgrounds. North Rhine-Westphalia is therefore resolutely opposing every form of anti-Semitism. It is important that we instil the necessary awareness of the issue in our teachers and give them the confidence to take action. We have already taken major steps in this direction with the AMUDIM self-study course and visits to memorial sites for trainee teachers. With VIMPLA, we are consistently continuing along this path.”

Sylvia Löhrmann, the Commissioner for Combating Anti-Semitism, Jewish Life and Remembrance Culture for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, expressly welcomes the project:

“Against a backdrop of increasing social polarisation, the spread of anti-Semitic narratives on social media and the occurrence of anti-Semitic incidents in school settings, educational institutions face considerable challenges. Addressing the issue of anti-Semitism in teacher training is therefore essential, as is its ongoing inclusion in further education and professional development programmes. Teachers must be able to recognise anti-Semitism – in all its forms – and know how to respond appropriately in such situations. This is where the VIMPLA project comes in, opening up learning spaces for practical skills in the school setting. “I am delighted that, as the project coordinator, I can now help to embed the project’s approaches within teacher training.”

Project leader Marc Grimm, visiting professor at the University of Wuppertal, emphasises:

“Since 7 October 2023, cases of Israel-related antisemitism in schools in particular have gained in visibility and urgency. This creates challenging educational situations for teachers, in which subject-specific analysis, normative guidance and professional confidence in taking action are required. This is precisely where our VIMPLA films come in: they illustrate various manifestations of antisemitism and make complex and contentious topics discussable in teacher training and professional development. “Our aim is not to prescribe ready-made responses, but to enable teachers to develop the necessary confidence in their approach through collective discussion.”

Volker Beck, Managing Director of the Tikvah Institute gUG, adds:

“VIMPLA makes an important contribution to promoting a democratic school culture and to supporting teachers who work every day to foster respectful, non-discriminatory coexistence. We are currently working to integrate the VIMPLA materials as effectively as possible into state and non-state teacher training and professional development programmes. The Tikvah Institute is thus pursuing an empowerment-based approach: teachers should be empowered to take action against antisemitism themselves within their respective environments and to assume democratic responsibility. Teaching about the various forms of anti-Semitism and how to deal with such incidents must urgently become a compulsory part of teacher training at universities and during the teaching placement in all federal states!”

Sebastian Mohr, team leader at SABRA (Service Centre for Anti-Discrimination Work, Counselling on Racism and Anti-Semitism), emphasises:

“For Jewish pupils, families and communities, anti-Semitism is not an abstract challenge, but a concrete part of everyday life. Since 7 October 2023, the threat level has escalated significantly. Jewish people must reassess their visibility, their safety and their trust in institutions. Schools therefore bear a particular responsibility: they must recognise Jewish perspectives, protect those affected and clearly oppose anti-Semitism. To do this, teachers need the confidence to act professionally. The VIMPLA materials make an important contribution in this regard, as they highlight specific situations in schools and encourage a reflective examination of possible pedagogical responses.”