Middle East conflict - "Arsch-huh" peace rally: speakers respond to criticism
Hundreds of people demonstrated in Cologne for peace in the Middle East at a peace rally organized by the artists' initiative "Arsch huh" (Arse huh) under the title "Give Peace a Chance!". The "bestial attack by Hamas" must be condemned without ifs and buts, and all forms of hatred towards Jews must be resolutely combated, said former SPD Federal Chairman Norbert Walter-Borjans in his speech. "Is it possible to feel empathy for 1.7 million people in the Gaza Strip who are on the run with such a crystal-clear stance?" he asked. "Yes, of course!" Like several other speakers, he was responding to criticism that had been voiced in the run-up to the call for the demonstration.
The Vice President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Abraham Lehrer, had canceled his participation because the terrorist organization Hamas and the Israeli army were put on the same level in the call. He accused the organizers of denying Israel's right to self-defence.
FDP politician Gerhart Baum agreed with Lehrer in his speech at the"Arsch Huh" demonstration: Although the call condemned the murderous attack by Hamas, it put attackers and victims on the same level. It is unacceptable to talk about "both warring parties". It was not acceptable for Israeli soldiers to be equated with a "terrorist gang of criminals". According to Baum, however, criticism of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has allied himself with extreme right-wing forces, or of the "aggressive settlement policy in the West Bank" must also be possible. "We also have to say that if we look at all aspects of this conflict without hesitation," said Baum.
"Arsch huh, Zäng ussenander" (loosely translated: "Stand up and open your mouth") sees itself as one of the most influential artists' and musicians' initiatives against racism and neo-Nazis. In 1992, the initiative mobilized around 100,000 people for a demonstration against the right.
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Source: www.stern.de
