Germany leads the way. We may not be so far behind…
JVL Introduction
In May 2019 the German Bundestag, adopted by a large majority a non-binding resolution declaring BDS antisemitic.
Even a hundred or so of those who supported it feared that might impinge on free speech and the ability to criticise Israel.
Their worst fears have already been borne out and a toxic atmosphere of fear, threats and censorship created
Itay Mashiach reports from Berlin where there is on the growing resistance amidst increasing fear that this politicisation of the struggle against antisemitism is endangering that very struggle.
There are obvious parallels with the Tory government’s current attempts to make universities in England adopt the IHRA definition…
[Added since posting: Jonathan Cook has published a powerful analysis of the issues raised here, putting them in a broader context – see his article Israeli paper shows how antisemitism claims are masking a reign of political and cultural terror.]
In Germany, a Witch Hunt Is Raging Against Critics of Israel. Cultural Leaders Have Had Enough
Scholars are boycotted for signing a petition, artists are subjected to background checks and critical texts are censored. Now, in an unprecedented move, leaders of top German cultural institutions have joined forces to declare: enough
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This stuff is so dangerous. Thoroughly decent people are being traduced and, in some cases, are having their livelihoods badly affected. Valid debate is being incrementally shut down. The constant drip, drip is leading many decent Jews to believe that their friends are really their enemies. We are being turned against each other. Some of us will see it for what it is – divide and rule, with both liberals/anti-racists and Jews being used as pawns. Unfortunately others will see is as “evidence” of the “Jewish conspiracy” trope and that will swell the numbers of the far right. Then we’re all in schtuk.
This is so sinister – and the people who are being attacked in Germany are so brave. We really need a British response from artists and other cultural leaders, and from academics, standing up for their German counterparts.
Both Itay Mashiach’s and Jonathan Cook’s articles highlight the dangers very well. The climate of fear that is so insidiously creeping into the cultural, academic and political arenas will cause real and long-term damage unless it is robustly resisted and stopped.
The situation troubles me deeply – And yet I also draw encouragement seeing open hearted people speaking up for freedom.
Ironically, this is the selfsame insidious process with which the culture vandals of the NSDAP intimidated and silenced all opponents during the ‘Hitlerzeit’.
I echo all that Goldbach has said above. Very sad turn of events that will do no good.
A little good news on this. Over a thousand signatories to this letter:
https://nothingchangeduntilfaced.com/