2023-11-09 23:29:22
Berlin – With a joint appeal, Berlin opera houses and orchestras have turned against anti-Semitism and hatred. “Even in turbulent times, controversies must be resolved non-violently and with tolerance,” said the statement published on Wednesday. “This basis of our social cohesion is currently under threat.”
Hamas’ attack on Israel was terror, “whose brutality shocks us and cannot be justified by anything.” As a result, there is a humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East, which is leading to countless civilian casualties. “All of you, on the Israeli and Palestinian sides, deserve our condolences and our remembrance.”
The effects reached as far as Germany and Berlin. “As the capital of Germany and home to renowned opera houses and orchestras, Berlin is a worldwide symbol of openness, freedom and tolerance,” wrote musical leaders Kirill Petrenko (Philharmonic Orchestra) and Joana Mallwitz (Konzerthaus), among others. In addition to the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Konzerthaus, the institutions and their management include the Radio Orchestra and Choirs, the German Symphony Orchestra, the Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Radio Choir, the RIAS Chamber Choir, the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, the German Opera and the Komische Oper Berlin.
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“It is completely unacceptable that Jews in our city are threatened, that the extermination of Israel is propagated at demonstrations,” it continued. It is now important to remember “Never again” with all urgency. “We must confront anti-Semitism in Berlin and Germany with all determination.” Everyone shares responsibility for the safety of their fellow Jews. “Anti-Semitism, like racism and any other form of exclusion, must have no place in our society.” The tense situation must not lead to hatred and agitation.
On the initiative of pianist Igor Levit, the Berliner Ensemble called for a solidarity concert “Against Silence. Against anti-Semitism.” Michel Friedman, Dunja Hayali, Luisa Neubauer, Ulrich Noethen, Sven Regener and Katharina Thalbach have been announced as guests on November 27th, “to use music and literature to send a clear signal against anti-Semitism and hatred.”
Levit is quoted about what he perceives as a silence: “It can’t go on like this.” He is grateful to the theater for an evening “to break this silence.” It’s about “a sign, a statement – against anti-Semitism. Because there can be no neutrality, no indifference when it comes to hatred of Jews, when it comes to hatred of people of any form.”
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