Emily Dische-Becker, expert on Germany's anti-Palestinian policies and Israeli proxy nationalism, discusses Germany's complex relationship with anti-Semitism, suppression of pro-Palestine speech, memory culture, the rise of the far right, rejection of the colonialism-Holocaust connection, and potential for Jewish migrant solidarity.
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Quick takeaways
Germany's memory culture and its role in shaping national identity and international reputation.
The impact of the non-binding resolution condemning the BDS movement on democratic institutions and freedom of expression in Germany.
Concerns about the effectiveness and potential bias of anti-Semitism commissioners in defining and determining anti-Semitism.
The challenges faced by the German left in navigating issues of anti-Semitism, Palestinian solidarity, and exclusionary nationalism.
The complex historical context and debates surrounding anti-Semitism in Germany, including the reluctance to acknowledge colonial crimes and the normalization of imported anti-Semitism discourse.
Deep dives
Germany's Memory Culture and Jewish Identity
Germany's memory culture, which emerged in the 1980s, plays a significant role in shaping its national identity and international reputation. After World War II, Germany sought to acknowledge its responsibility for the Holocaust and establish a strong relationship with Israel. However, memory culture is not without its flaws. Symbolic politics and the politics of guilt have become prevalent, often overshadowing structural changes. Furthermore, memory culture has inadvertently given rise to the anti-Dauch movement, which emerged in response to German reunification and poses challenges to the left. The German experience raises questions about post-perpetrator societies, reparations, and the role of marginalized voices in shaping collective memory.
The Impact of the BDS Resolution
In 2019, the Bundestag passed a non-binding resolution condemning the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement as anti-Semitic. This resolution was introduced as a response to the far-right AFD party's attempt to criminalize BDS. Although the resolution is not legally binding, it has had significant consequences. Institutions, particularly in the cultural sphere, have over-enforced it, leading to a climate of self-censorship and the scanning of individuals' social media for any affiliation with BDS. The enforcement of the resolution has undermined democratic institutions and weakened freedom of expression.
The Problem with Anti-Semitism Commissioners
Germany has appointed anti-Semitism commissioners at both the federal and state levels. These commissioners, despite often being non-Jewish, are tasked with defining what is and isn't anti-Semitic. They have significant power and influence in shaping policies and guidelines. However, their effectiveness is questionable, as they can equate criticism of Israeli policies with anti-Semitism and often lack diverse perspectives. The presence of these commissioners raises concerns about who gets to define and determine what constitutes anti-Semitism, and their role in stifling freedom of speech and diversity of opinions.
The Antidoicha and the Challenge for the Left
The Antidoicha movement, originally emerging in response to German nationalism and purported anti-Semitism among the left, has had a detrimental impact on the German left. The movement's obsession with purity politics, symbolic politics, and their proxy support for Israel has led to alienation and division within the left. The German experience showcases the challenges faced by left-wing movements when navigating issues of anti-Semitism, Palestinian solidarity, and responding to right-wing agendas. It serves as a cautionary tale for the left to remain vigilant against exclusionary nationalism and to prioritize structural change over symbolic gestures.
Misreporting fuels anti-Semitism narrative
The podcast episode discusses an incident where a demonstration was falsely reported as chanting anti-Semitic slogans. The misreporting led to concerns among the Jewish community and eventually the appointment of anti-Semitism commissioners in Germany. The episode highlights the proliferation of these commissioners at various levels, including state, judiciary, police, and cultural institutions. However, the effectiveness of these commissioners and their expertise on anti-Semitism is questioned. Some commissioners have engaged in controversial actions and statements, further complicating the issue.
Philo-Semitism and the role of convert Jews
The podcast delves into the concept of philo-Semitism in Germany and the role of convert Jews in the Jewish community. It explores how some non-Jewish anti-Semitism commissioners receive criticism for their outspokenness and policing of Jewish identity. Additionally, it discusses the expectation for migrants, particularly those with Arab and Muslim backgrounds, to identify as potential perpetrators of anti-Semitism, rather than as potential victims. The episode emphasizes the disproportionate targeting of Jews and Palestinians for their views on Israel, and the complexities of navigating Jewish identity and German historical responsibility.
Comparison between colonial crimes and the Holocaust
The podcast highlights the reluctance in the German political establishment to acknowledge and address Germany's colonial crimes, specifically the genocide of the Hirero and Nama people in Namibia. It explores how discussions of colonial crimes are often framed as a relativization of the Holocaust, inhibiting deeper historical reflection and reparations for affected communities. The episode also examines Germany's response to demands for recognition and accountability, and the significance of South Africa raising the issue of Germany's colonial past in relation to its support for Israel. This complex historical context adds layers of complexity to the current debates and narratives surrounding anti-Semitism in Germany.
The Rise of Anti-Semitism and the Blame Game
In Germany, there has been a normalization of imported anti-Semitism discourse, with blame being placed on Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims. This discourse has been strengthened by the official Jewish response, which lends moral authority to this framing. The rise of the far-right in Germany, especially the AfD, has contributed to the fear surrounding changing demographics and immigration. This has led to a white backlash and the fusion of the great replacement racism and anti-Semitism. The centrists, including the governing coalition, have called for deportations and expulsion, with a growing concern about defining what counts as anti-Semitic.
The Complexity of German-Jewish Relations and Impact on Solidarity
Jewish life in Germany faces its own precarity, with a close attachment to Israel due to the lack of a robust Jewish community. The fear of anti-Semitic attacks is unique to Germany, contributing to the complex relationship between German Jews and Israel. However, the focus on protecting Jews has created a rift with other minorities and stripped them of essential rights. The obsession with security has led to limitations on freedom of speech and assembly, undermining liberal democracy. The lack of alternatives and disarray within the German left further exacerbates the challenges faced by the country in countering the rise of the far-right.
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.
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Buy Against Erasure: A Photographic Memory of Palestine before the Nakba at haymarketbooks.org/books/2325-against-erasure
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