Countering anti-Semitism: seminar on conspiracy myths on Sunday!

Countering anti-Semitism: seminar on conspiracy myths on Sunday!

In Cologne, the democracy team is organizing an exciting seminar that deals with an explosive topic: dealing with conspiracy myths and anti-Semitism. The seminar, which will take place on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., aims to empower people to respond to these myths that are often spread in their personal environment. In its [[action description]](https://www.demokrateam.org/aktions/seminar-kontern-gegen-versschwoerungsmythen-und-antisemitismus/), the democracy team describes the contents of the workshop, which addresses the basics and peculiarities of conspiracy narratives and also illuminates the relationship between these narratives and anti-Semitic attitudes.

As the [[Federal Agency for Civic Education]](https://www.bpb.de/shop/zeitschriften/apuz/verschwoerungstheorien-2021/339288/verschwoerungsmythen-und-antisemitismus/) states, conspiracy myths are very widespread because they make it possible to emotionally process complex political and social developments. With their partially irrational structure, they offer supposed explanations for abstract events and address deep human needs related to the desire for control and understanding. Personal feelings of powerlessness and the search for omnipotence are at the center of these imaginative stories.

Workshop content

The workshop offers a variety of content that is intended to help participants recognize typical argumentation patterns and respond to them appropriately. Anti-Semitic statements are also addressed using concrete examples, which raises considerable awareness of this topic. The organizers of the seminar want to create a cryptic space in which all participants can feel safe. However, questionable links to extreme right-wing ideologies may result in those who hold such views being denied entry.

A central point in the seminar is the development of solutions for a faster and more targeted response to anti-Semitic attempts to explain the world. As the science platform Planet Wissen has shown, many anti-Semitic conspiracy myths are based on historical prejudices and are fueled by current events, such as the corona pandemic. In particular, false claims about “Jewish world domination” are widespread and achieve a frightening level of acceptance, even outside right-wing extremist circles.

Historical context and current relevance

The dangers posed by conspiracy myths are not new. Historically, there were false accusations against Jewish communities as early as the Middle Ages, such as the poisoning of wells during the plague. These slanders testify to a deep-seated antipathy and fascination in equal measure, which also influences modern anti-Semitism. Belief in conspiracies has repeatedly increased due to various social crises and is often supported by popular false reports and myths.

The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, clear evidence of the proliferation of anti-Semitic conspiracies in the 20th century, is an example of how such myths can be used as tools of manipulation. Despite the clear evidence of their forgeries, they still have appeal today. This shows how deeply rooted and dangerous these ideological constructs are, which resonate not only in extreme fringe groups but also in wider society.

The seminar in Cologne offers the opportunity to actively engage with these topics. Interested parties can apply by September 25, 2025 at the latest info@agr-chemnitz.de register. Participation is free, but places are limited. It is particularly important that the seminar is not only intended for people who are themselves affected by anti-Semitism, but for everyone who wants to develop an awareness of this topic and take responsibility in their everyday environment.

Dealing with conspiracy myths and anti-Semitism is not only a duty, but also an opportunity for an open and tolerant society - one in which everyone supports dialogic solutions and alternatives based on solidarity.