Three years after October 7, 2023, the discourse in Germany has become more irreconcilable, and the divides have grown even deeper. The Hamas attack, the Gaza War, the occupation, violations of international law, and Germany’s role have divided society. Instead of listening and exchanging arguments, many are triggered by terms such as “genocide,” “settler colonialism,” “reason of state,” and “values partner,” and refuse to engage in dialogue. While German policymakers stand unwaveringly alongside the Israeli government, the majority of the population is calling for a different stance and foreign policy. What effect does this dissonance have on society? And how does it impact Germany’s self-image as a liberal, democratic state governed by the rule of law?
This development is alarming. Politicians who apply double standards when enforcing international law—and justify this by citing a special responsibility toward the State of Israel—tend to undermine the principle of equality before the law domestically as well. Using the accusation of anti-Semitism as a lever, fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and assembly are restricted, and certain population groups are defamed across the board. This also affects artists and writers, who withdraw from the public sphere, fall silent on political issues, or are excluded from public discourse.
Are freedom of art and freedom of science in Germany now contingent on loyalty to Israel? And what role do Germany’s authors, intellectuals, and artists play in defending not only their own freedom?
