Central Europe Yearbook

Heidegger’s support for antisemitic measures as Rector of the University of Freiburg, 1933-1934

Andrea Cuniolo

University of St Andrews

Abstract

The relationship between Martin Heidegger and Jewish colleagues has long been controversial. Although Heidegger always denied being an antisemite, he also undertook significant action against Jews during his time as the rector at Freiburg University, promoting antisemitic policies such as the Aryanization of university staff and students and the destruction of Jewish authors’ books. There were some exceptions to these policies, but even these exceptions did not completely go against the political will of the Nazi Party, thus showing Heidegger’s ultimate support of the Nazi regime.