Culture financing reversal in Berlin: Elimination of anti-discrimination provision
In the heart of Germany, the cultural scene in Berlin has been embroiled in a heated debate for months, with the Israel-Gaza conflict serving as a significant point of contention. Activist groups like Strike Germany continue to call for a boycott of publicly funded cultural institutions, accusing them of supporting Israel and suppressing free speech, particularly solidarity with Palestine.
The controversy escalated when DJ Arabian Panther and DJ Hoyah accused Berghain and SAULE Berlin, two prominent cultural institutions in the city, of cancelling their shows due to their stance on Palestine. The institutions, however, have yet to issue official statements on the matter.
The division deepened when Joe Chialo, the Berlin Senator for Culture and Social Cohesion, signed a new anti-discrimination clause into effect early this month. The clause required everyone applying for cultural funding in Berlin to adhere to the IHRA definition of antisemitism. This move was met with opposition from many in the cultural community, with around 6,000 cultural workers signing an open letter opposing the measure.
The backlash was so strong that the state has announced that the anti-discrimination funding clause will be repealed with immediate effect. Berlin mayor Kai Wenger plans to revisit the anti-discrimination measure on a "legally secure" basis. Wenger aims to enshrine the fight against antisemitism into the Berlin constitution, but critics argue that the definition of antisemitism in the IHRA definition could limit legitimate criticism of the state of Israel.
Strike Germany considers the dropping of the clause as "just the beginning." They continue to call for a boycott of state-funded cultural institutions, arguing that these institutions engage in a "McCarthy policy" against solidarity with Palestine. Some left-wing spaces like Oyoun have also been targeted for their stance.
As the cultural divide in Berlin over the Israel-Gaza conflict continues, it remains to be seen how the city's cultural institutions will respond to the calls for boycotts and the repeal of the anti-discrimination clause. Berghain and SAULE Berlin are expected to refuse to police the politics of their artists and overturn the anti-BDS resolution, a move that could further fuel the ongoing debate.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
