Berlin’s governing mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU), sharply criticized anti‑Israel activists after they made remarks critical of Israel at the Berlinale. He said that those who present themselves as pro‑Palestinian activists have no focus on human rights. “They are not interested in dialogue, peace or nuanced criticism – their sole focus is hatred of Israel” Wegner told the newspaper Bild.
The comments came after a speech by Syrian‑Palestinian filmmaker Abdallah Alkhatib, who accused the German government of being a “partner of genocide” in the Gaza Strip. Alkhatib’s film “Chronicles from the Siege” had been awarded Best First Feature at the festival.
Wegner accused the activists of abusing the award ceremony to spread blanket blame, double standards, defamation of democratic institutions and staged moral tribunals.
At the same time he expressed full support for the festival’s leadership, praising Tricia Tuttle and Wim Wenders for creating a dignified atmosphere and steering the event with sensitivity, openness and a willingness to dialogue. He said their efforts were crucial to bringing the Berlinale back on track after its recent crisis.
Wegner concluded that the openly displayed anti‑Israel hatred contradicts what the festival and the city of Berlin stand for: freedom of the arts, universal human rights and a clear stance against hate in all forms.