Society
Topics
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Cultural boycott of Germany?
The German anti-Semitism debate is increasingly off-key
These days, anyone opposing both anti-Semitism and racism faces a difficult choice, as numerous recent cases show. Where must we start in order to change this?
By Stefan Weidner -
Turkey's "Noel Baba"
Questions and answers about St. Nicholas
The Feast of Saint Nicholas, observed on 6 December in Western Christian countries falls within the season of Advent. But who was this bringer of gifts?
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Israel-Hamas war
Children bear the brunt of the conflict
While Hamas has released the majority of its child hostages taken on 7 October, it is believed that two remain in captivity. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinian children are suffering under Israel's ongoing siege and renewed bombardment of Gaza
By Tania Kraemer -
Dialogue in Germany
An imam and a rabbi tour Berlin schools
Tensions are running high over the conflict in the Middle East. In German schools, as elsewhere, discussions are controversial and emotional. An imam and a rabbi are working together to promote dialogue and understanding in these turbulent times
By Christoph Strack -
Israelis and Palestinians: "Standing Together"
"Help us move towards peace"
Since the war in Gaza, the grassroots movement "Standing Together" has become increasingly popular among Israelis and Palestinians. Founding member Itamar Avneri says they are calling for peace and independence for Israelis and Palestinians, absolute equality for all citizens – and true social, economic and environmental justice
By Ceyda Nurtsch -
Esra Ozyurek on the German debate
"We must fight anti-Semitism and Islamophobia together"
Germany has long been a role model for the way it deals with Holocaust remembrance. But now this is being used to marginalise minorities, says Turkish ethnologist Esra Ozyurek
By Claudia Mende -
Bangladesh's low-wage textile industry
Microcredits – no silver bullet against poverty
While Grameen Bank, the great role model for the microfinance industry, is celebrating its fortieth birthday in 2023, tens of thousands of textile workers in Bangladesh are taking to the streets and striking for better wages
By Dominik Müller -
India's pro-Israel shift
Muslims barred from supporting Palestinians
From Western capitals to Muslim states, protest rallies over the Israel-Hamas war have made headlines. But one place known for its vocal pro-Palestinian stance has been conspicuously quiet: Indian-controlled Kashmir
By Aljaz Hussain -
Middle East conflict and Germany's culture of remembrance
In solidarity with the marginalised
What needs to happen for Jews to feel safe in Germany? We have to see immigrants as allies in the fight against anti-Semitism. With more foresight in the Middle East conflict, a more precise raison d'etat and an inclusive culture of Holocaust remembrance
By Kristin Helberg -
France
Jewish-Muslim group fights rising anti-Semitism
France has seen a surge in anti-Semitic incidents since the start of the Israeli-Hamas conflict. One Jewish-Muslim group near Paris is trying to calm tensions
By Lisa Louis -
Germany and the Israel-Hamas war
The need to bridge societal rifts
Reporting deep rifts in German society, representatives of the country's Jewish and Muslim communities attended a round-table meeting called by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to discuss the consequences of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel
By Hans Pfeifer -
Egypt's Muslim Brothers
"Who determines the future of the Brotherhood remains unclear"
Since the military coup in Egypt ten years ago, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi's government has cracked down on the country's Muslim Brotherhood. Abdelrahman Ayash talks about the impact of this crisis, and how the organisation has evolved since 2013
By Hannah El-Hitami