Idea
‘Zeit zu reden’ is a series of events on various political topics that emerged in connection with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The idea for it developed in early summer 2024 in response to a public debate that, since 7 October 2023, has been characterised by a lack of openness, fear, the spread of misinformation, defamation and hate speech – whether in politics, the media or on the streets.
‘Zeit zu reden’ brings together academics, intellectuals and experts for profound discussions on topics that are often difficult to address in the German public sphere. Their knowledge, experience and professional expertise serve to objectify and broaden the debate as a whole. Stereotypical patterns of argumentation are broken down, certainties are questioned and different views are acknowledged.
Objectives
The series of events aims to bring people back into conversation with each other who have become alienated from one another in terms of content and emotion. This includes left-wing, left-liberal, migrant-oriented, middle-class and conservative sections of society. ‘Zeit zu reden’ counters the constant reassurance provided by like-minded people with the presentation and expansion of other, and thus new, perspectives and opinions. ‘Zeit zu reden’ attaches great importance to creating a safe space for discussion for participants and the audience.
The aim of ‘Zeit zu reden’ is to make a constructive contribution to political discourse in Germany. In view of a culture of debate increasingly characterised by populism and hostility, the focus is on imparting knowledge and promoting nuanced discussion. Sensitive and emotionally charged topics are discussed in all their facets, but always on the basis of human rights and international law. Despite all the controversy surrounding the content, the participants are united by their commitment to the rule of law and democracy, as well as their willingness to engage in dialogue.
Instead of reinforcing thinking in political camps and thereby deepening social divides, ‘Zeit zu reden’ seeks to strengthen liberal democracy, which is coming under pressure—and being called into question—due to authoritarian tendencies at home and the growing influence of far-right, ethno‑nationalist positions in international politics.
Principles
‘Zeit zu reden’ firmly opposes all forms of group-based hostility and incitement to hatred, including antisemitism, anti-Muslim racism, anti-Jewish hatred, anti-Gypsyism, anti-Arab racism, anti-Palestinian racism, sexism, homophobia and any other form of devaluation and exclusion. At ‘Zeit zu reden’ events, positions grounded in human rights, international law and the German Basic Law take centre stage, with the aim of achieving the legal equality and equal treatment of all people.
The views expressed in the panel discussions and articles are solely those of our contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of ‘Zeit zu reden’.
Team
When the Israeli conductor Ido Arad, the Armenian‑Lebanese‑German activist Haig Ghokassian, and the German journalist Kristin Helberg met in Berlin, they all shared the same sense of concern: a fact‑based, honest, and open discussion about Palestine and Israel seemed impossible in Germany. With their discussion series “Zeit zu reden,” they aim to prove that it is possible—and to offer people what is needed for it: knowledge and truthfulness, a willingness to learn, and the ability to engage in dialogue—not only on Israel and Palestine, but also on other topics.
Financing
Since April 2025, Zeit zu reden has been a recognised non-profit (unregistered) association based in Berlin. The initiative is supported by volunteers, donations and several private foundations; it does not receive any government funding. In 2025, the supporters of ‘Zeit zu reden’ include the Schöpflin Foundation, the Mercator Foundation, the Robert Bosch Foundation and the German Postcode Lottery.
Most events – panel discussions and workshops – take place at the Spore Initiative in Berlin-Neukölln, a safe and free place for exchange. This support and cooperation is of great importance to Zeit zu reden.