Workshop – Responsibility in Teaching: Understanding Radical Narratives and Antisemitism | January 15, 2026

The practical workshop format developed by the Zera Institute focused on how antisemitic, extremist, and anti-democratic attitudes emerge among children and young people—and how educational professionals can address them in everyday practice in a reflective, sensitive, and effective way. The workshop provided a protected space for exchange and self-reflection, while also strengthening participants’ confidence in taking concrete action. Working with realistic case studies, participants developed discussion strategies and pedagogical approaches that support teachers in identifying problematic narratives at an early stage and responding to them constructively.

Together, participants examined how antisemitic and extremist interpretive patterns spread through family environments, peer groups, and social media; which indicators may signal early stages of radicalization or social exclusion; and which forms of language and professional stance can empower children and young people by fostering empathy, democratic understanding, and social responsibility.

The workshop was led by Gabriele Rohmann, social scientist, journalist, and co-director of the Archive of Youth Cultures. For more than 25 years, she has worked at the intersection of youth, pop, and subcultures, political education, extremism prevention, and media literacy, advising educational and cultural institutions as well as public authorities. The second facilitator was Thomas Riedmann, a social and cultural anthropologist and prospective teacher who has been active for many years as a political education practitioner, with a particular focus on antisemitism-critical educational work.

We would like to thank the participating teachers for their openness, commitment, and strong engagement. Once again, the workshop demonstrated the central importance of reflective pedagogical practice and professional exchange in strengthening children and young people at an early stage against antisemitic and extremist narratives.