Dialog and Understanding - Initiative Against Antisemitism plans new dialog project
The Kreuzberger Initiative against Antisemitism (Kiga) is planning a new project in the context of the Middle East conflict. The goal is to enable dialogue between those who rarely speak to each other or have not had the opportunity to do so. "There should be moderated conversations, but not just that format", says Kiga chairman Dervis Hizarci to the German Press Agency.
"It's not that we set up a roundtable every time. There are public events and there are background talks, secure rooms. And there are also talks where one goes and says 'I'll put up with it and stay fair.'''
The project, titled "DialogRooms", is scheduled to start in January 2025 and is planned for three years. Funding of 920,000 Euro from the Lotto Foundation has already been granted for financing.
Understanding through Dialogue
It relies on the fact that speaking and encounter are the prerequisites for understanding and empathy. "In Berlin there are thousands of Israelis, thousands of Palestinians. That's an incredible opportunity for dialogue", says Hizarci.
"We have implemented and developed projects for the Jewish-Muslim dialogue in Berlin many times before the pandemic. After the 7th of October, not immediately, but soon afterwards, we said: Now is the time. We will create the space for it."
"There are concerns that we are getting pulled in"
The project explicitly aims to include people who otherwise would not have a voice. "All those who are open and willing for dialogue have a chance here", says the chairman of the initiative. "There are different rooms, different rules, but always moderated. There should also be readings or maybe a concert", says Hizarci. "We don't go it alone. For those who are willing to come together as artists, we give them a stage."
Most feedback on the project has been positive. "There are concerns that we are getting pulled in or that it could become one-sided: too critical of Israel or too friendly, too pro-Palestinian or too anti-Palestinian", explains Hizarci. "That's not the idea. We want to talk about controversies, have different opinions, and still speak with each other."
Concerns about the safety of participants
Hizarci is aware of the risks associated with the project: "If individuals say things on Social Media unintentionally that harm the cause or deliberately to discredit the endeavor." Then there is a risk that participants will withdraw from the dialogue to protect themselves.
"That's a phenomenon of our time, that people who don't believe in dialogue prevent or attack others." He also worries about the safety of the participants. In the meantime, it is common practice to develop a security concept for events - and to provide security personnel as well.
- The 'DialogRooms' project, initiated by Kiga against Antisemitism, aims to foster 'Understanding' between the Israeli and Palestinian communities residing in Berlin, recognizing the potential for dialogue in such a diverse city.
- The project, scheduled to commence in January 2025, receives funding of 920,000 Euro from the Lotto Foundation, emphasizing the societal importance of promoting dialogue amidst ongoing 'Migration' and geopolitical conflicts.
- Despite some concerns about potential 'Racism' and 'Antisemitism' escalation, particularly on social media, the 'Initiative' encourages open-minded engagement, ensuring a safe and inclusive space for all participants in the dialogues.
- In addressing the 'Host conflict' over the Middle East, the project envisions balanced discussions, welcoming artists and anyone eager for 'Dialogue' to contribute, promoting empathy and understanding towards both Israeli and Palestinian perspectives.
