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Why the Gaza War divides the arts world

September 19, 2024

The cultural scene is split over the "right" response to the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel and the Gaza War. Cultural events continue to be canceled; Jewish and Palestinian artists alike feel stigmatized. How can understanding prevail?

https://p.dw.com/p/4kazs
Propalästinensische Demonstration "Palestine will be free"
Pro-Palestinian protestImage: RALF HIRSCHBERGER/AFP

The Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza have polarized the world. This has also affected the cultural scene. There is growing pressure on artists and intellectuals to take a stand on the situation. Some artists voice concerns that harsh criticism of Israel is too quickly branded antisemitic - especially in Germany, which sees itself as having a special responsibility towards Israel due to the Holocaust. Nevertheless, pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been taking place on the streets and at universities in Germany - including angry demonstrations against Israel.

Berlin | Solidaritäts-Demo zu Israel am Brandenburger Tor
Israel supporters protest following Hamas' biggest attack on Israel in years, next to the Brandenburg Gate in BerlinImage: LIESA JOHANNSSEN/REUTERS

Other artists have criticized the coldness of the response from the left and lack of empathy for the Israeli victims of the terror attacks. They say Israel is being pilloried. A constructive dialogue seems a long way off. What are the roots of the deep divisions? And can they be overcome? We meet artists who have taken controversial stances: French-Israeli bestselling author Eva Illouz, South African-Jewish visual artist Candice Breitz, Palestinian photographer Steve Sabella and German-Palestinian author Joana Osman. And we ask them how dialogue and understanding might still be possible: despite deep trauma on both sides, there are people who are attempting to bridge the divide.

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DW Arts Unveiled (Serienlogo Composite)

Arts Unveiled — Experiencing and understanding the art world

Arts Unveiled dives deep into the international creative scene, uncovering new ideas and explaining cultural phenomena that shape our history, present and future. Who are the artists? What are their greatest works of art? And how are they having an impact? Where can we find their exciting projects?