Board of Directors sees accusations of anti-Semitism refuted

Art as anti-Semitic propaganda?

In a letter obtained by Deutsche Presse-Agentur, around 90 signatories criticized the fact that works of art in the current show had clearly anti-Semitic content. Art must not become a projection screen for anti-Semitic propaganda, the signatories criticize. They demanded that the offending works be removed from the exhibition. These are works by Luke Carter and Plan B, which the critics believe contain "demonizing and delegitimizing messages" about the Jewish state.

In response, the organizers covered up at least parts of Carter's work with the words "GERMANY MURDERED WITH". According to historian Peter Jelavich from Johns Hopkins University, parts of the work were problematic, it was said at the beginning of the week.

Professor Marc Siegel from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, among others, has now firmly rejected the accusations. Rather, the works are "critical artistic reflections on Israel's actions towards the Palestinian people and Germany's political involvement". Siegel is a professor of film studies in Mainz and says he researches queer studies and experimental film.