Next Level: Exposing and Defusing Anti-Semitism with Jo, Beni, and Esther
A serious game for middle school students
In the new project “Next Level: Uncovering and Defusing Anti-Semitism with Jo, Beni, and Esther,” the existing prototype is being expanded into a modular serious game for middle school students: The three characters—Jo (based on Joseph Süß Oppenheimer, ca. 1698–1738), Beni (based on Theodor Benjamin Herzl, 1860–1904), and Esther (based on the life story of Esther Shakine, born 1932, a Shoah survivor on the ship “Exodus” in 1947) guide players through various historical contexts and bring Jewish realities of life, exclusion, migration, and self-assertion to life. Through game scenarios rooted in everyday life, students acquire key foundational skills for preventing antisemitism: they learn to recognize antisemitic stereotypes, critically question conspiracy narratives, and act in solidarity. Pilot tests in middle school classes and accompanying teaching materials ensure that the game is practical for use nationwide and can be adapted in the future for other areas of democracy education. The project runs from February through the end of December 2026.
Contract with the development company starting June 1, 2026
The Heidelberg College of Jewish Studies has commissioned KORION Interactive GmbH with the technical implementation of the two new modules, “Beni” and “Esther,” for the serious game. Completion is scheduled for Q4 2026.
Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth and the non-profit Hertie Foundation.
