Berlin, 09.10.2024 – These days mark the anniversary of the brutal attack by Hamas on the Israeli civilian population and the attack on the synagogue in Halle in 2019. It is with great concern that we are observing increasing polarisation in Berlin’s cultural scene. Many actors are afraid of hostility and avoid potential areas of conflict. This particularly affects artists of Jewish and Arab origin, who are restricted in their performance opportunities.

To counteract this, we have launched a series of talks with musicians of Jewish and Arab origin. The aim is to promote exchange and create space for respectful dialogue – free from fear of hostility.

We are very concerned about the alarming rise in anti-Semitic attacks in our capital city. As reported by the Tagesspiegel, the number of anti-Semitic offences has increased tenfold in the past year. We condemn anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim racism in the strongest possible terms. Both forms of hatred have no place in our society. Increasing anti-Semitic and racist attacks threaten peaceful coexistence and cultural diversity. We want to create an atmosphere in which artists of all backgrounds can work safely and respectfully.