Michael Barenboim: In Germany, Jews who reject Zionism are seen as not really Jewish

In this episode, I speak with musician, organiser and political commentator Michael Barenboim about Germany’s increasingly restrictive debate around Israel and Palestine. We discuss the policing and silencing of voices critical of Israel; what it means to be Jewish in Germany while rejecting Zionism; and the political climate surrounding Palestine solidarity in Germany.

Zeitmarken:
00:00 Intro 
02:30 Being in Germany since October 7, 2023? 
06:25 The cancellation of academic / cultural events 
08:40 How Germany tried to silence Michael Barenboim 
11:50 On Israel’s 'right to exist' 
16:30 Where is repression in Germany coming from? 
22:00 Germany’s perception of Jews 
25:00 Make Freedom Ring and the classical music scene 
33:30 What made Michael aware of Palestine? 
39:10 Why Michael doesn’t want to leave Germany 
41:00 How do younger musicians view Israel-Palestine? 
44:00 Is German memory culture redeemable? 
49:00 Is there hope left?