Wolfram Weimer Kicks Off tenure with Vow to Eradicate Anti-Semitism
Cultural Anti-Semitism Takes Center Stage as Primary Discussion - Cultural Antisemitism Emerges as Key Concern for Weimer
Germany's new Minister of Culture, Wolfram Weimer, has made it clear that his first priority is to tackle the issue of anti-Semitism head-on. On his inaugural day, he welcomed Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews, as his first guest.
"I want to send a powerful message that the frosty relationship between the BKA and the Jewish community will be mended, and this contentious chapter in German cultural policy will come to a close," the Minister declared to the press. Schuster applauded the meeting as a "strong statement" signifying Weimer's commitment.
Controversy surrounding documenta and Berlinale
Schuster's criticism of anti-Semitic depictions at the 2022 Kassel art exhibition, documenta, and remarks about the Gaza war during the 2023 Berlinale gala last year, have been widely publicized. Schuster had demanded clear cultural guidelines to prevent such incidents. The persistent issue of anti-Semitism in art and culture has shown, "that it isn't just an ingrained problem but continues to evolve dangerously," Schuster remarked.
Weimer shared his indignation, stating, "It's maddening, indeed inexcusable, to see how anti-Semitism is permeating society. Especially since the horrific Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, we've witnessed an increase in boycotts and other hostile acts against Jewish artists, which are completely unjustifiable. I am determined to combat this relentlessly."
Weimer intends to maintain regular dialogue with Schuster. The discussion with the Central Council centered around the return of stolen artworks from the Nazi era. "I'd like to announce the members of the arbitration panel swiftly, in close coordination with the Central Council and the Jewish Claims Conference," the Minister revealed. "This is a crucial step towards reaching fair and just resolutions."
Personnel Change
Shortly after his appointment, Weimer announced his initial staff shake-up: Andreas Goergens, the former head of the Office of the State Minister for Culture and Media, has been replaced by his deputy, Konrad Schmidt-Werthern. Schmidt-Werthern, who joined BKA staff in autumn 2024, oversees around 450 employees. Prior to his tenure, he served as the head of the department in Berlin Senate Administration for Culture and Director of the Cologne Cultural Office.
- Wolfram Weimer
- Inauguration
- Anti-Semitism
- Josef Schuster
- Central Council of Jews in Germany
- documenta
- Berlinale
- Berlin
- Personnel Change
- German Press Agency
- Wolfram Weimer, during his inauguration, stated that he aims to eradicate anti-Semitism, emphasizing his commitment to mend the strained relationship between the BKA and the Jewish community.
- In a sign of priority, Weimer's first guest was Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, whom he welcomed on his first day.
- Schuster had previously criticized anti-Semitic depictions at the 2022 Kassel art exhibition, documenta, as well as remarks about the Gaza war during the 2023 Berlinale gala, calling for clear cultural guidelines.
- In response, Weimer announced that he intends to establish an arbitration panel to return stolen artworks from the Nazi era, explaining this as a significant step towards fair and just resolutions.
