Saying Enough is Enough: Wolfram Weimer Stands Against Antisemitism
Stopping antisemitic actions is the goal sought by Wolfram Weimer
Germany's fresh Minister of State for Culture, Wolfram Weimer, has set the tone with his first strong action. Saying goodbye to the previous head, Andreas Görgen, was just the beginning. Soon after, Weimer met with Josef Schuster, the President of the Central Council of Jews, marking a new era in their relationship.
Weimer's primary mission is to wrestle down antisemitism, especially in the cultural sphere. Announcing his intentions, Weimer declared, "I am determined to set a firm stand against the insidious growth of antisemitism, even in the cultural sector. Recent events have shown us how deeply embedded it is and how dangerously it continues to evolve."
His first encounter with Schuster was a symbolic move that signaled the end of a contentious chapter in German cultural policy. The Central Council had previously expressed concerns about antisemitic displays at the documenta art exhibition in Kassel last year and offensive comments made during the Berlinale gala regarding the Gaza conflict. Weimer's decisive action aims to address these issues head-on.
A Strong and Steadfast Alliance
Schuster welcomed Weimer's initiative, appreciating that he had sought out this meeting. The discussion centered around the escalating antisemitism in Germany and how best to combat it more effectively. The government later confirmed that Weimer's focus was on forging a trusting partnership with the Central Council.
Weimer's commitment to this partnership is unwavering, as he plans to maintain regular contact with Schuster. During their conversation, they addressed critical matters such as the restitution of artworks stolen or confiscated during the Nazi era. Weimer confirmed that he will soon announce the members of the arbitration panel in collaboration with the Central Council and the Jewish Claims Conference, a significant step towards achieving fair and just solutions.
On the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Weimer remembered the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, emphasizing that the horrors of the Shoah call upon us to unequivocally resist antisemitism. "We will never forget the unspeakable suffering of the Jewish people. As we remember the past, we must remain steadfast in our efforts to combat antisemitism today and ensure it never reappears in the future," he affirmed.
New Leadership at the State Ministry for Culture and Media
Weimer revealed his first major personnel decision just hours into his new role: Andreas Görgen would be replaced by his deputy, Konrad Schmidt-Werthern, who has been working with the Ministry since fall 2024. Schmidt-Werthern previously served as the department head in the Berlin Senate Administration for Culture and director of the Cologne Cultural Office before joining the Ministry.
- Antisemitism
- State Ministry for Culture and Media
- Central Council of Jews
- Berlin
- The State Minister of Culture, Wolfram Weimer, is focusing on combating anti-Semitism, especially within the cultural sphere, as he attempts to address the concerns raised by the Central Council of Jews regarding antisemitic displays and offensive comments in Berlin.
- Weimer, in his efforts to tackle anti-Semitism, intends to maintain regular contact with Joseph Schuster, the President of the Central Council of Jews, and aims to announce the members of the arbitration panel for restitution of artworks in collaboration with the Central Council and the Jewish Claims Conference.
- Weimer's first personnel decision as the State Minister of Culture was to replace his predecessor, Andreas Görgen, with Konrad Schmidt-Werthern, a deputy who has been working with the Ministry since fall 2024.
- In light of the escalating anti-Semitism in Germany, the Central Council of Jews has welcomed Weimer's initiative and his commitment to forge a strong and steadfast alliance to combat anti-Semitism effectively, especially in the policy and legislative sectors.
