Call for Halting Weapons Exports to Israel - Major figures advocate for a halt in weapon sales to Israel
In a bold move, over 200 German cultural figures have penned an open letter to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, calling for a shift in Germany's policy towards Israel amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The letter, made available to "Spiegel" magazine, demands immediate action and specific measures to halt arms exports, suspend economic agreements, push for a ceasefire, and prioritize humanitarian relief in Gaza.
The letter, initiated by director Laura Fischer and the human rights organization Avaaz, is signed by prominent celebrities such as actors Daniel Brühl, Heike Makatsch, Christiane Paul, Benno Fürmann, and musicians Shirin David and Ski Aggu. Notable personalities from the media industry, including Joko Winterscheidt, Klaas Heufer-Umlauf, Giovanni Zarrella, Jochen Schropp, and Tedros "Teddy" Teclebrhan, have also lent their support. The music industry is represented by figures like Joy Denalane, Ebow, Ski Aggu, and Zartmann.
The letter, addressed to Chancellor Merz (CDU), emphasizes the signatories' condemnation of the heinous crimes of Hamas. However, it asserts that no crime justifies the collective punishment of millions of innocent people. The celebrities criticize Merz for stopping short of stronger action, stating that "words alone do not save lives" and must be backed by concrete measures.
The letter underscores that these steps are consistent with European values and would signal unequivocal disapproval of the ongoing suffering, demonstrating that even close allies cannot tolerate it further. The appeal comes amid Germany's history of substantial arms exports to Israel, with €326.5 million approved in 2023 and around €485.1 million worth of military exports authorized between October 2023 and May 2025.
The letter specifically asks for an immediate halt to all German arms exports to Israel, as well as the suspension of the association agreement between the EU and Israel. It also calls for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered access for humanitarian aid in Gaza. The cultural scene expresses a desire to take a political position, as there is currently a great need for this. The appeal to Merz is deliberate, as he is seen as one of the few who can influence Israel to change course.
The new open letter is a testament to the growing political consciousness within the German cultural community and a call for action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the German government will respond to these demands.
- The European Parliament and the Council have also adopted a resolution on the European Union's role in the fight against terrorism, expressing a shared stance on important global issues.
- While the current crisis in Gaza dominates headlines, general news outlets are also reporting on war and conflicts around the world, underscoring the urgency for policy and legislation to address such issues.
- Intriguingly, celebrities who are generally associated with the entertainment industry are now actively engaging in crime and justice matters, raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- As political figures, leaders like Chancellor Friedrich Merz are expected not only to speak out against injustice but to take concrete steps to implement policy changes, as illustrated in the case of the ongoing discussions regarding Germany's relationship with Israel.
