The declaration includes twelve key points that are crucial for a professionally accurate, didactically appropriate, and unbiased presentation of Judaism and related topics. The most important aspects include:
The twelve points of the declaration are followed by detailed, practical recommendations on the central topics of "Jewish Life Today," "Jewish Religion, Ethics, and Culture," "Jewish History from Antiquity to the Present," "The State of Israel," and "Historical and Contemporary Antisemitism." Furthermore, interdisciplinary educational and methodological-didactic aspects such as language, materials and sources, and assignments are addressed.
Christine Streichert-Clivot, President of the Conference of Ministers of Education 2024 and Saarland's Minister of Education and Culture, explains: “It is essential that our educational media convey a multifaceted and unbiased image of Judaism. This is a key contribution to promoting a deep understanding of the diversity of Jewish life and an effective means of countering the threat of antisemitism. Education plays a crucial role in this: it lays the foundation for a democratic society, strengthens cohesion, and encourages respectful coexistence. Through a conscious, nuanced, and competent engagement with Judaism in schools and lessons, we can do justice to democratic fundamental values and preserve them in the long term. I sincerely thank the Central Council of Jews in Germany and the Association of Educational Media for the strong signal we are sending with the result of a very good cooperation.”
Dr. Stefanie Hubig, A-State Coordinator and Minister of Education of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate: „Prejudices and stereotypes enter the minds and hearts of children and young people in many different ways. To prevent racism and antisemitism from arising in the first place, it is therefore important to critically examine and review educational media. Young people should have a comprehensive view of Judaism in all its richness – without blinkers or bias.“
Karin Prien, Coordinator for the Federal States and Minister for General and Vocational Education, Science, Research and Culture of the State of Schleswig-Holstein: Jewish life is part of Germany – and has been for many centuries. This also includes knowledge about culture and Jewish life. However, ignorance, clichés, and prejudices often dominate. Good education brings students closer to the vibrant Judaism in Germany and the world, without shying away from confronting the past. Antisemitism must also be a topic in good educational media. Students must be empowered to stand against antisemitism, racism, and all other forms of group-related hostility, and to oppose the glorification of the National Socialist regime.”
Dr. Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany: „The joint declaration is the result of many years of trusting cooperation between the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, the Association of Educational Media, and the Central Council of Jews. Taking these recommendations into account when creating, reviewing, and selecting school textbooks can lead to greater understanding of Judaism, its significance for German history and the present, among both students and teachers, as well as effective prevention of anti-Semitism. The next step will also involve revising curricula and qualifying teachers to distinguish good from flawed materials.“
Maximilian Schulyok, Chairman of the Association of Educational Media e. V.: "It is the self-conception of educational media providers to make qualitatively assured, differentiated, and good knowledge accessible to teachers and students. The appropriate representation and communication of Judaism and Jewish life have been a focus for the Association of Educational Media e. V. for many years. We are therefore very pleased about the new declaration and its practical recommendations for work also in publishing houses."
In the past, the KMK has already made decisions on this complex of topics, including:
These decisions form the basis for the continuous work on an appropriate and differentiated presentation of Judaism in educational media.
