More celebrities join Israel's petition - Additional celebrities endorse Israel's petition
In a recent development, an open letter signed by over 360 celebrities, including filmmakers and musicians, has been sent to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany. The letter demands immediate action to free Israeli hostages and an end to the collective punishment of millions of innocent people in Gaza.
Notable signatories include Ari Folman, a Golden Globe-winning director of Israeli origin, as well as filmmakers such as Sandra Hüller, Fatih Akin, Nilam Farooq, and Katharina Böhm. The list also includes musicians like Clueso, Yvonne Catterfeld, Nina Chuba, and Joko Winterscheidt, who is also a television presenter. Model Lilly Becker has also joined the appeal.
The open letter condemns the heinous crimes of Hamas in the strongest terms but emphasizes that no crime justifies collectively punishing millions of innocent people. It calls for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, and an end to the ongoing conflict.
However, the letter has received criticism from political voices and commentators. Critics argue that despite the letter's demands for halting arms exports and imposing sanctions, German government support for Israel, particularly in arms provision, has continued unabated. Germany remains Israel's second-largest arms supplier, with military equipment exports worth nearly half a billion euros since the Gaza conflict escalated.
Some commentators question whether the letter will influence Merz’s policy, given his government's existing role as a major arms supplier to Israel. Others challenge the letter's assumption that Merz is uniquely positioned to persuade Israel to change course, highlighting the complex policy environment and coalition disagreements within Germany.
The open letter was initiated and signed by prominent German cultural figures such as actors Liv Lisa Fries, Katharina Thalbach, and Benno Fürmann. It was also supported by Ben Becker, Lilly Becker's husband, who is a well-known German actor. The total number of supporters of the open letter to Chancellor Merz has now risen to over 1,400, with over 160 more celebrities joining the appeal.
The open letter was sent to Chancellor Merz, urging him to take immediate action to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza and bring an end to the suffering of its civilians, especially children. The letter serves as a call for humanity and peace in the face of a complex and entrenched conflict.
- The European Union has a responsibility to ensure that the EU's foreign policy regarding war-and-conflicts, such as the ongoing crisis in Gaza, is fully implemented.
- Migration from conflict-ridden areas, like Gaza, often occurs due to political instability caused by war-and-conflicts and lack of policy-and-legislation protecting civilians.
- The open letter to Chancellor Merz, addressing both general-news and crime-and-justice issues, emphasizes the importance of halting arms exports and imposing sanctions on Israel.
- The sports world, including football and champions-league, has remained generally neutral in the Gaza conflict, focusing on competition rather than politics.
- Despite the call for action in the open letter, accidents, both in Gaza and Germany, may continue to occur due to the ongoing conflict and potential political turmoil.
- As Europe's second-largest arms supplier to Israel, Germany's role in the conflict and any potential changes in foreign policy related to the Middle East and its leagues, like European leagues, may be a topic of debate in politics and news.
