The Goethe-Institut rejects all forms of violence, racism and antisemitism. For over 70 years, we have offered a platform for dialogues, including those that end in respectful disagreement. Often, this open space has been the last link between civil societies, when even formal diplomacy stalled. Therefore, we do not believe that boycotts or embargos are useful tools in the realm of international cultural exchange. That is also why we keep operating even in illiberal countries.
Regardless of hardening resentment and violence, we want to continue pursuing this path, be it at our locations in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ramallah and Gaza or indeed anywhere else in the world. This is also one of the reasons why the Goethe-Institut supported and signed the initiative "GG 5.3 Weltoffenheit". Its name refers to article 5.3 of the German constitution, which guarantees the freedom of art and science. In this sense the Goethe-Institut is committed to diversity of opinion and controversial discussion, and this commitment we will carry on upholding.
As to the current war in Gaza – we are convinced that in view of the catastrophic situation a new ceasefire is urgently needed. The rising number of civilian victims is not acceptable. All people have the right to live in peace and without fear. Sufficient and unhindered corridors to supply the civilian population are absolutely necessary. Likewise, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages currently held by Hamas. No civilian victim is less or more important than another.
We believe in the facilitation of dialogue which is becoming ever more important in a world torn and threatened by polarization and a growing unwillingness to listen to each other. Dialogue, however, is not possible without space for dissent.
