Emily Dische-Becker, expert on Germany's attachment to anti-Semitism and Israeli proxy nationalism, discusses Germany's complex relationship with Israel, the suppression of Palestine solidarity, the German media's response to Greta Thunberg's support for Palestine, memory culture surrounding the Holocaust, the origins and peculiarities of the anti-dewitch movement, the rise of far-right politics, and the German response to colonialism and genocide.
Germany's memory culture surrounding the Holocaust has shaped its politics and national identity.
The rise of the anti-dutch movement highlights the dangers of weaponizing virtue and niche knowledge.
German's anti-Palestinian stance and stifling of free expression resulted from a resolution condemning the BDS movement.
Symbolic politics and the politics of guilt can inhibit structural change and lead to blame economy.
The erasure of historical context and expectations on Muslims perpetuate stigma against Arab and Muslim populations.
Deep dives
The Origins of German Memory Culture
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Germany started to develop a memory culture surrounding the Holocaust, prompted in part by the televising of the Holocaust mini-series. This culture was further solidified after reunification in the 1990s, with the state taking on the role of promoting and maintaining a memory of the Holocaust. This memory culture became a way for Germany to position itself as post-perpetrator and project a redeemed image on the world stage. Memory culture has had a significant impact on German politics and identity, but also raises questions about what is expected from a post-perpetrator society and the limitations of symbolic politics.
The Rise of the Anti-Difference Movement
The anti-difference movement, or anti-dutch, emerged in the early 1990s as a response to reunification and a rejection of German nationalism. Initially, the movement was anti-nationalist, pro-Israel, and pro-American. However, over time, it became increasingly anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian. The anti-dutch, primarily composed of white German males, have had a significant influence on German politics, with their views aligning with the right-wing and center-right parties. Their obsession with symbolic politics and meta-analysis of anti-Semitism has splintered the left and detracted from effective anti-fascist activity. The rise of the anti-dutch serves as a cautionary tale for the left and highlights the dangers of weaponizing virtue and niche knowledge.
The Consequences of the BDS Resolution and Anti-Semitism Commissioners
In 2019, the Bundestag passed a resolution condemning the BDS movement as anti-Semitic, while not legally binding, the resolution has had significant consequences. It has been over-enforced by heads of institutions and cultural organizations, leading to a stifling of free expression and a chilling effect on discourse surrounding Israel and Palestine. Additionally, Germany has implemented anti-Semitism commissioners at the federal and state levels, who are predominantly non-Jewish. These commissioners hold significant power in declaring what is and what is not anti-Semitic. Their influence has weakened democratic institutions and led to alarmingly limited interpretations of free speech.
Lessons for the Left and the Challenges of Post-Perpetrator Societies
The German experience with memory culture, the rise of the anti-dutch, and the consequences of the BDS resolution and anti-Semitism commissioners hold lessons for the left and other post-perpetrator societies. Symbolic politics and the politics of guilt can lead to a blame economy and inhibit structural change. The question of who decides and represents Jews in post-genocide societies is complex and can lead to exceptionalization and the silencing of diverse voices. The dangers of chipping away at democratic foundations in the name of fighting anti-Semitism and the importance of upholding constitutional rights must be recognized. Furthermore, the German experience warns of the pitfalls of overaligning with the right and the need for anti-fascist activity.
Misreporting of anti-Semitic incidents leads to the appointment of anti-Semitism commissioners
The podcast highlights a case where a report about anti-Semitic chanting at a demonstration was found to be based on misinformation. The reporter admitted to errors, and this incident led to the appointment of Germany's first federal commissioner against anti-Semitism. Since then, there has been a proliferation of anti-Semitism commissioners at state and city levels, including commissioners for the judiciary, police, prosecutor's office, and cultural institutions. However, the effectiveness of these commissioners in combating anti-Semitism is questioned, with discussions on their lack of expertise and potentially unhinged behavior. The podcast also points out that Jews are disproportionately affected by accusations of anti-Semitism, especially around their views on Israel, and that migrants in Germany are expected to identify as potential perpetrators of anti-Semitism rather than victims.
Phyllo-Semitism and the role of non-Jewish anti-Semitism commissioners
The podcast delves into the practice of non-Jewish Germans converting to Judaism and taking on roles as anti-Semitism commissioners. This phenomenon is seen as a form of dehumanizing Jews by exceptionalizing them, and it often leads to accusations of performing stereotypes and policing Jewish identity. The podcast highlights the bizarre theories and behaviors exhibited by some non-Jewish anti-Semitism commissioners, such as claiming Jews are part of an ancient school that brought literacy to the world, or wearing IDF uniforms to carnival. It is suggested that this phyllo-Semitism, along with the censorship and marginalization of Jews who do not align with mainstream Zionist views, reveals the German political establishment's response to the rise of the far-right and its attempt to maintain moral superiority.
Discourse on imported anti-Semitism and the erasure of historical context
The podcast explores the discourse around imported anti-Semitism in Germany, which scapegoats migrants, particularly those from Arab and Muslim backgrounds, while downplaying the prevalence of right-wing German anti-Semitism. The German political establishment's emphasis on migrants as the source of anti-Semitism is seen as legitimizing far-right anti-immigrant politics. It also reveals the expectation for non-ethnic Germans to identify as potential perpetrators rather than victims of anti-Semitism. The podcast highlights the work of Esther Azuric, who examines how Muslims in Germany are expected to navigate German Holocaust memory programs. Muslims are reprimanded for identifying with victims rather than perpetrators, further perpetuating the stigma against Arab and Muslim populations. The erasure of historical context, such as German colonial crimes and connections between Nazism, the Holocaust, and colonialism, is strongly enforced, hindering meaningful reflection and accountability.
The Rise of Anti-Semitism in Germany
The podcast episode explores the rise of anti-Semitism in Germany, attributing it to a combination of factors such as imported anti-Semitism discourse, the far-right's influence, and the rise of anti-migrant sentiments. The official Jewish response has also contributed to the normalization of anti-Semitism discourse. The discourse surrounding anti-Semitism has shifted, leading to a separation between racism and anti-Semitism, which undermines solidarity between minorities. Additionally, the podcast highlights the complexities of German politics, the impact of neoliberalism, and the lack of a strong left-wing alternative, all of which have a significant influence on the rise of the far-right in Germany.
Challenges and Concerns for Germany's Future
The podcast raises concerns about the future of Germany, particularly in relation to the rise of the far-right and the erosion of liberal democracy. German politics have become increasingly focused on anti-migrant sentiments, with both the far-right and centrist parties advocating for deportations and expulsions. The discourse surrounding anti-Semitism has also been manipulated, leading to a misclassification of incidents and a distortion of its meaning. The lack of political alternatives and the fragile state of the left in Germany contribute to the overall disarray in German politics. The potential for Jewish migrant solidarity is emphasized as a vital element in countering the threats posed by the far-right and anti-left sentiment.
Featuring Emily Dische-Becker on how Germany became attached to a wildly narcissistic anti-antisemitism and Israeli proxy nationalism that have made it one of the most anti-Palestinian governments on earth.
