Berlin Aperture to Palestinian Perspectives in Space
In the heart of Berlin's diverse Neukölln neighborhood, the Spore Initiative stands as a unique cultural space dedicated to ecosocial justice and open discussions. Founded by German entrepreneur Hans Schoepflin and Mexican-Cuban artist Osvaldo Sanchez in April 2023, the Initiative has become a crucial platform for conversations around Palestine, a topic that has been taboo in German public discourse since October 2023.
The Spore Initiative has collaborated with Dar Jacir, an art space and farming cooperative in the West Bank, for the current exhibition titled 'aʿmāl al-'arḍ - Landworks, Collective Action and Sound'. The two-day symposium on the Palestinian economy held earlier this month is another testament to the Initiative's commitment to fostering dialogue about Palestine.
However, the Spore Initiative's role as a safe space for open discussions has not gone unnoticed. Since late 2024, new Bundestag resolutions tying public cultural funding to adherence to a definition of antisemitism that equates criticism of Israel with antisemitism have led to cancellations of pro-Palestinian exhibitions and talks in Germany, contributing to a climate of censorship affecting institutions like the Spore Initiative.
Despite this, the Spore Initiative continues to defy state efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian voices. It has issued a statement offering support to Berlin communities who feel silenced or discriminated against, demonstrating its commitment to free speech and democratic values.
Other pro-Palestinian events in Berlin have faced similar challenges. A pro-Palestinian solidarity event in Neukölln had to search for new venues after being criticized due to participants linked by the Verfassungsschutz to Hamas-related organizations. While this is a different case, it reflects the broader pattern of government and authorities taking action against Palestinian activism perceived as linked to extremism or terrorism.
The Berlin Office for the Protection of the Constitution has labeled the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement BDS "anti-constitutional," potentially giving police and security services greater powers to target those speaking in favor of it. This, coupled with the increasing hostility towards pro-Palestinian events, paints a picture of a challenging environment for cultural organizers and activists.
However, the Spore Initiative continues to thrive, working with Haitian, Filipino, and Kurdish minority diaspora groups, and supporting investigative journalism outlet Correctiv and local media organizations through the Schoepflin Foundation's annual funding of €12m. Hans Schoepflin, the founder of the Schoepflin Foundation, started it with a mission to support free speech and democratic values, making the Spore Initiative a fitting embodiment of his vision.
In summary, the Spore Initiative is a beacon of free speech amidst growing restrictions on pro-Palestinian voices in Berlin. Despite facing indirect challenges due to recent legislation and policy shifts, the Initiative continues to defy state efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian voices and remains committed to fostering open discussions about Palestine. The Initiative's work serves as a reminder of the importance of free speech and democratic values in a climate where they are increasingly under threat.
[1] The Guardian, "Berlin's Spore Initiative defies state efforts to silence pro-Palestinian voices," (2025) [2] The Jerusalem Post, "German state environment increasingly hostile towards pro-Palestinian events," (2025) [3] Al Jazeera, "Censorship of pro-Palestinian cultural expression in Germany," (2025) [4] Deutsche Welle, "Pro-Palestinian event in Berlin faces cancellations or venue loss," (2024) [5] The New Arab, "Berlin's Spore Initiative: A rare space for Palestine discussions," (2025)
- The Spore Initiative, in collaboration with Dar Jacir, is presenting 'aʿmāl al-'arḍ - Landworks, Collective Action and Sound', an exhibition that combines art and music to stimulate discussions about Palestine.
- Despite the Spore Initiative's ongoing efforts to foster open dialogues about Palestine, the music and entertainment aspects of its events have come under scrutiny in Germany, as some view them as politically charged.
