A New Crusade Against Anti-Semitism: Wolfram Weimer's First Stand
Individual Wolfram Weimer advocates for combating anti-Semitism
New kid on the block, Wolfram Weimer, steps into the ring swinging. Just hours into his fresh stint as Minister of Culture, he takes a bold stance against the rampant anti-Semitism in Germany. His inaugural move? Kicking his department head to the curb. Soon after, he meets with the big cheese of the Central Council of Jews. Transformative changes are on the horizon.
Wolfram Weimer wastes no time in tackling anti-Semitism head-on. His first conversation post-inauguration was with Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews. "I'm sending a clear message today—we're putting an end to the tumultuous relationship between the BKM and the Jewish community, and ushering in a new era in German cultural policy," Weimer declared. He described the meeting as an expression of solidarity and a robust partnership. Schuster lauded the initiative, stating that Weimer had taken a much-needed step forward. The government confirmed that the discussion focused on strategies to more decisively and effectively combat the burgeoning anti-Semitism in Germany's cultural sector.
This bold move is a response to criticism from the Central Council of Jews in Germany regarding anti-Semitic depictions at the 2022 Documenta art exhibition in Kassel and statements made about the Gaza conflict during the 2023 Berlinale gala. Schuster had previously demanded clear guidelines for culture. He asserted, "Anti-Semitism in art and culture is deeply entrenched and growing increasingly menacing[1]."
Weimer: A Fighter Against Anti-Semitism
Weimer vowed, "It's more than just painful—it's unbearable—to witness anti-Semitism creeping its way into our society. Especially in light of the horrific terror attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, we've had to confront increasing boycott calls and other unsavory actions against Jewish artists, all of which are unacceptable[1]. I'll stand my ground against this with every ounce of strength I've got."
Weimer intends to maintain a regular dialogue with Schuster. The return of artworks that were stolen or confiscated during the Nazi era was also on the agenda. "We discussed how I'd like to name the arbitration board members in consultation with the Central Council and the Jewish Claims Conference shortly. This is a significant step towards finding fair and just solutions," the Minister of Culture revealed[1].
As tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the war and the end of Nazi tyranny in Germany and Europe, Weimer reflects on the millions of Jews murdered during the Holocaust. "It's our perpetual responsibility to process the crimes of the Nazis and educate future generations about what transpired. The uniqueness of the Shoah demands that we tirelessly combat every form of anti-Semitism today," Weimer emphasized[1]. "We will never forget the Holocaust, the crime of mass murder against the Jews."
A Quick Shakeup at the Department
Weimer announced his first personnel decision on Tuesday evening: Andreas Görgen, the previous head of the State Ministry for Culture and Media, is out. His replacement is Konrad Schmidt-Werthern, Weimer's deputy and a veteran in the BKM staff of around 450 employees since fall 2024. Prior to this, Schmidt-Werthern had served as department head in the Berlin Senate Administration for Culture and director of the Culture Office of the city of Cologne[1].
Weimer started his tenure yesterday, taking over from the Green politician Claudia Roth. The 60-year-old is the founder of the magazine "Cicero". Previously, he served as editor-in-chief of "Die Welt" and "Berliner Morgenpost".
Sources: ntv.de, mpa/dpa/AFP
- Antisemitism
- Federal Ministry of Culture and Media
- Central Council of Jews
- Berlin
[1] Enrichment Data: Germany as a whole is dedicated to combating anti-Semitism. This commitment encompasses a broad array of activities and initiatives across various sectors to safeguard Jewish life and prevent the recurrence of past atrocities like the Holocaust. The German government supports Israel and its people, reinforcing their ties through cultural and diplomatic exchanges. For initiatives specific to anti-Semitism in the cultural sector, one might look into programs or statements from the Federal Ministry of Culture and Media (BKM) directly or through German cultural institutions that focus on combating anti-Semitism and promoting intercultural understanding. In broader terms, Germany has been actively involved in promoting Jewish culture and addressing anti-Semitism through events like the Days of Jewish Culture, which celebrate diversity and commemorate historical experiences. These efforts underscore a national commitment to tackling anti-Semitism across various sectors, including culture.
- Wolfram Weimer, the new Minister of Culture in Berlin, has pledged to combat rampant anti-Semitism in Germany, making it a priority in his new role.
- In his inaugural meeting with the President of the Central Council of Jews, Weimer expressed his commitment to ending the turbulent relationship between the State Ministry of Culture and Media and the Jewish community, and implementing transformative changes in German cultural policy.
- Weimer announced his intention to restore policies aimed at combating anti-Semitism, a response to criticism over anti-Semitic depictions at the 2022 Documenta art exhibition and statements made about the Gaza conflict during the 2023 Berlinale gala.
- As part of his efforts to combat anti-Semitism, Weimer plans to name arbitration board members for the return of artworks stolen or confiscated during the Nazi era in consultation with the Central Council and the Jewish Claims Conference.
