Jewish academic stands with pro-Palestine students in Germany

By Erbil Basay

BERLIN (AA) - Jewish academic and musician Michael Barenboim, who works at the Barenboim-Said Academy of Music in Berlin, expressed his support for students participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at universities across the country.

In Germany, police have been taking intense security measures and are intervening in demonstrations held by students protesting Israel's attacks on Gaza and supporting Palestine in universities and on the streets. Politicians and university administrations in the country are also opposing the students' actions.

In May, police intervened in two pro-Palestinian demonstrations organized by students at Humboldt University in Berlin, detaining many students.

On May 7, police raided a tent camp set up by approximately 150 students at the Berlin Free University to support Palestine. Many demonstrators were detained, and the area was cleared.

Following these developments, numerous academics from various universities in the country signed an open letter supporting the students participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and calling for an end to police violence against them.

Among those who signed the letter was Barenboim.

Barenboim, the son of renowned conductor Daniel Barenboim, told Anadolu in an interview that he signed an open letter supporting pro-Palestinian students because he believes their protests are justified.

"For some reason, human rights apply to everyone except, it seems, for Palestinians, and freedom of expression applies to everyone except, it seems, for supporters of Palestine. This is very concerning. It cannot continue like this," he said.

He described the situation in Gaza as horrific, noting the deaths of over 35,000 people, including 15,000 children, and the destruction of essential infrastructure. Barenboim emphasized the importance of recognizing the severity of the crisis, calling it one of the greatest crimes of our time.

Barenboim criticized Germany's prohibition of pro-Palestinian statements, noting that human rights and freedom of expression seem to apply to everyone except Palestinians and their supporters. He expressed deep concern over this situation, emphasizing that it cannot continue.

"It is very important for me to stand by and support Palestine right now because they are truly fighting for survival. This is a moment of truth when you must make your position clear whenever you have the chance," he added.

Barenboim stated that he wants human rights and freedom of expression to apply to everyone, saying, "We have the largest Palestinian community in Europe here in Berlin, but no one knows this. Because they cannot speak out."

When asked about supporting Palestinians as a Jewish person, Barenboim stated that it is crucial for him to stand with Palestine, as they are fighting for survival. He stressed the importance of making clear statements in support of Palestinians whenever possible.