The Tea with Myriam Francois

"German police are punching Jewish protesters"

Dec 12, 2025
In this engaging discussion, British journalist James Jackson sheds light on Germany's complex ties to Israel and its struggle with historical identity. He critiques the rise of the far-right AfD and the troubling increase in police violence, even against Jewish protesters. Jackson delves into the ramifications of Merkel’s 'Staatsräson' and how it affects free speech, particularly for Palestinian solidarity movements. He warns of a growing authoritarianism and the weaponization of anti-Semitism rhetoric, leaving listeners with important reflections on power and repression.
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INSIGHT

Holocaust Memory Used To Suppress Dissent

  • Germany weaponizes Holocaust memory to silence Palestinian solidarity and dissenting Jewish voices.
  • This creates a moral exceptionalism that restricts public debate and legal expression about Gaza.
ANECDOTE

Journalist's VW Tweet Got Him In Trouble

  • James Jackson described being disciplined at Deutsche Welle after tweeting Volkswagen's Nazi-era logo and slave-labour history.
  • His case revealed institutional sensitivity and censorship around discussing Germany's corporate Nazi ties.
INSIGHT

Slogans Criminalized And Policing Escalated

  • German law now treats phrases like "from the river to the sea" as equivalent to supporting terrorism in practice.
  • Police enforcement has escalated into visible violence, including attacks on protesters and Jewish critics of Israel.
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