The article discusses the controversy surrounding the cancellation of an Israeli filmmaker’s participation at a German film festival, Filmplus, in Cologne. The cancellation followed accusations against the filmmaker, Doron Paz, of having connections to a pro-settler organization in Israel.
The article argues that the accusations of antisemitism against the festival management are unfounded and a deliberate smear campaign. It contends that the cancellation was primarily motivated by the festival’s desire to avoid controversy and potential disruptions, particularly given the heightened sensitivities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Germany.
The article points out that many German cultural institutions are wary of being perceived as supportive of Israeli policies, particularly those related to the occupation of Palestinian territories. The author suggests that the festival’s decision was a pragmatic one, aimed at protecting the event from criticism and potential boycotts.
Furthermore, the article positions the controversy within a broader context of escalating political tensions and manipulation related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and its relationship to Germany’s historical legacy. It argues against weaponizing accusations of antisemitism to silence critics of Israeli policies, especially in the context of cultural events. The article suggests that the incident is being exploited to stifle legitimate discourse and debate.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/09/13/gylo-s13.html