Recommendation made for drafting a legislative measure aimed at shielding laborers from potential dangers stemming from the utilization of digital communication networks.
In Heidelberg, a panel discussion titled "For a shared future of Jewish Israelis and Palestinians" is scheduled for Friday. The event, organised by Lothar Binding, a former Heidelberg SPD Bundestag member and ex-councilor, has caused a stir due to the selection of Ulrich Duchrow as moderator.
Duchrow, a theologian and peace activist, is known for his support of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, which advocates for boycotts and sanctions against Israel. This position is endorsed by the leadership of several political parties, including the FDP, the Greens, and the CDU/CSU.
However, the choice of Duchrow as moderator has raised concerns within the Heidelberg SPD. According to SPD district chairman Sören Michelsburg, the SPD Heidelberg rejects a panel discussion moderator who supports the BDS movement, as this position conflicts with the federal SPD’s official stance. The federal-level SPD is critical of BDS because it is perceived as opposing Israel in a way that can contribute to antisemitism, and therefore the SPD at the national level distances itself from BDS supporters.
Lothar Binding, however, assumes that Duchrow, despite his proximity to BDS, can moderate neutrally. Binding distances himself from the "combative terms of the BDS movement against Israel" but acknowledges that the movement's criticism of Israel has "some legitimacy."
Despite the controversy, the event is being organised by the Peace Alliance. A press release about the panel discussion was issued with SPD Heidelberg letterhead, which has further fueled the debate.
It is important to note that the BDS movement stands for "boycott, divestment, and sanctions" in both English and German. The pro-Palestinian movement calls for various forms of economic and political pressure against Israel.
The position of the SPD at the federal level is that the security of the state of Israel is a commitment and a matter of German state interest. The SPD Heidelberg leadership, in line with the federal stance, distances itself from the BDS movement.
This creates a direct conflict when local SPD chapters, like in Heidelberg, face a moderator aligned with BDS, prompting them to oppose such involvement to remain consistent with the party’s federal position. The choice of Duchrow as moderator is considered "inappropriate" by the Heidelberg SPD leadership, causing irritation within the local party.
As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even within political parties. The panel discussion in Heidelberg on Friday promises to be a significant event, with diverse perspectives on display.
- The choice of Ulrich Duchrow, a known supporter of the BDS movement, as moderator for the panel discussion on policy-and-legislation concerning Israeli-Palestinian relations, has sparked controversy within the Heidelberg SPD, as the federal SPD's official stance distances itself from BDS supporters due to perceived connections to antisemitism.
- The position of the SPD Heidelberg leadership, in line with the federal stance, finds the selection of Duchrow as moderator for the general-news event "For a shared future of Jewish Israelis and Palestinians" inappropriate, as it conflicts with the party’s federal policy on Israel-related matters, thereby creating a direct conflict and causing irritation within the local party.
