OFEK

OFEK e.V. is the first specialized counseling center in Germany that focuses specifically on antisemitism and community-based support for affected individuals. Founded in 2017 as a model project and since 2019 as a registered association based in Berlin, OFEK offers comprehensive support nationwide as well as at regional locations in Berlin, Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt.

OFEK advises, accompanies, and supports affected individuals, their relatives, and witnesses of antisemitic incidents and acts of violence. The counseling includes:

• Individual Counseling: Free of charge, confidential, and anonymous upon request, in the languages German, Russian, Hebrew, and English.
• Group Offers: Empowering group counseling, also in digital format.
• Legal Counseling: Support with legal questions, application for financial assistance, and accompaniment to authorities, offices, police, and courts.
• Institutional Counseling: Professional counseling for schools, universities, and other educational institutions as well as educational and political organizations on dealing with antisemitism.
• Nationwide Hotline: A constantly accessible hotline for urgent inquiries.

The mission of OFEK is to support affected individuals and their relatives impartially and in solidarity, and to bring Jewish perspectives into societal and political debates. OFEK works independently of state institutions and adheres to the specific quality standards of professional victim counseling. The counseling is free of charge, confidential, and anonymous upon request, to meet the needs of those seeking advice.

OFEK actively engages in combating antisemitism and responds to the increasing numbers of antisemitic violence and discrimination. Through community-based interventions and support for Jewish communities in dealing with antisemitism, OFEK contributes to strengthening the affected communities. Particularly in the context of current crises, such as the effects of the war in Israel on the Jewish community in Germany, OFEK intensifies its efforts to meet the growing demand for counseling.

OFEK is currently facing the challenge of maintaining its work despite increasing demand. To ensure this, OFEK relies on donations and support to secure the necessary resources. Through close collaboration with other organizations and the competence center for prevention and empowerment, OFEK ensures the quality and effectiveness of its counseling services.

Through its comprehensive and specialized services, OFEK e.V. makes a significant contribution to supporting and protecting victims of antisemitic violence and discrimination in Germany.

• 1 - https://ofek-beratung.de/about
• 2 - https://www.betterplace.org/de/organisations/50427-ofek-e-v
• 3 - https://hke.hessen.de/foerderprojekte/saeule-e/ofek-beratungsstelle-bei-antisemitischer-gewalt-und-diskriminierung-e-v-projekt-ofek-hessen
• 4 - https://kompetenznetzwerk-antisemitismus.de/angebote/beratung/die-beratungsstelle-ofek-e-v/
• 5 - https://ofek-beratung.de/sachsen