Animé par des membres de Jewish Call for Peace asbl, avec la participation de Michel Ouaknine, membre de l'Union juive française pour la paix.
Être juif recouvre bien des mystères pour nombre de personnes. Ce qui crée des risques de préjugés stéréotypés, de reproductions de clichés culturels. L'actualité liée à Israël complique la perception que les citoyens non-juifs ont de leurs concitoyens juifs, car l'image que présente Israël des Juifs du monde entier est celle d’une population qui serait entièrement dévouée à la cause du sionisme et des gouvernements israéliens quoiqu’ils fassent, au soutien d’un régime qui se place au-dessus des lois, qui se considère dispensé de respecter le droit international. Il crée ainsi la confusion entre juif, Israélien et militant sioniste. Il importe de briser cette fausse image en créant des occasions de rencontre et de conversation sans tabou ni gêne.
Michel est né à Paris dans une famille juive d’origine marocaine (l'ensemble de la famille restée au Maroc émigrera en Israël). Avec ses deux frères, il a reçu une éducation religieuse juive, puis, plus tard, a rejoint un mouvement de jeunesse (Éclaireurs israélites de France), ce qui lui a permis de rencontrer des jeunes juifs de toutes origines et d’approfondir ses connaissances de la culture et de la religion juives (Torah, Talmud, introduction à la Kabbale).
Son premier voyage en Israël a été une expérience marquante. Il a découvert des réalités très différentes selon les lieux : la vie dans les kibboutz, la situation des Palestiniens, et les tensions liées au conflit. Ses observations l’ont profondément bouleversé, fait réfléchir et l'ont amené, des années plus tard, à s'engager dans une organisation qui défend la paix entre Israéliens et Palestiniens, l’égalité des droits pour tous et une solution juste pour l’ensemble de la région (UJFP).
L'atelier sera clôturé par une dégustation d'amuse-bouches traditionnels juifs d'Europe centrale et orientale.
Is criticism of Israel antisemitic?
Criticism of Israel is not antisemitic. This accusation is a well-worn tactic that sometimes borders on the absurd. It’s used by Israel and its unconditional supporters to delegitimize criticism of Israeli policy.
Governments of Ireland and Spain are accused of encouraging antisemitism, while France and the UK are considered “on thin ice.”
One might laugh if the consequences weren’t so serious.
There are however dangerous confusions made between Jews and Israeli politics. This confusion comes from Israel itself, which claims to be the State of the Jews and justifies its destructive policies in the name of the Jewish people. A basic law passed in 2018 grants Jews alone the right to self-determination within the State of Israel. Yet over 20% of Israeli citizens are Palestinians*.
Antisemitism does exist, but it isn’t fought by immoral actions or by twisting other countries’ policies to one’s advantage.
On the other hand, if you invoke old antisemitic conspiracy myths against Israel, then you are falling into antisemitism, that is, incitement to hatred of Jews. For example, claiming Israel controls the world, as depicted in a vile 19th-century antisemitic caricature** showing a Jew clutching the globe.
Don’t kid yourself — social media is full of similar fabrications with chilling rhetoric. But the war crimes committed by the Israeli army don’t help dispel these antisemitic tropes! Especially when Netanyahu invokes Amalek from the Bible, while a biblical passage commands the total destruction of the Amalekites...
Wouldn't it be better to criticize the policies of the Netanyahu government rather than "Israel"?
When it comes to Israel, suddenly terminology must be ultra-precise. You can say the U.S. is drifting toward fascism without anyone asking if you mean the country or its current policies. Some insist you must “show clean hands” and avoid saying “Israel” because that would question Israel’s right to exist.
In international law, the notion of a “right to exist” is meaningless. Israel exists — that’s a fact — and it is a full member of the UNO (but Palestine is not).
If criticizing “Israel” targets the supremacist political system that characterizes it, what’s the problem? We could criticize Ceaușescu’s dictatorial communist regime in Romania. Its fall in 1989 did not end Romania’s existence but democratized it.
On the German media outlet Jung & Naiv, Jean Asselborn spoke about lobby and said that some EU countries were “as if bought” by the Israeli government. Doesn’t that shock you?
The verb “bought” should be understood broadly; favors count as buying too. It’s well known that Netanyahu supports Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Despite Orbán’s antisemitic rhetoric, Netanyahu gave him a “kosher” stamp. In return, Orbán’s Hungary is among the EU countries blocking any attempt to sanction Israel for its crimes in Gaza and the West Bank.
And what about Netanyahu’s letter asking for Trump to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, knowing Trump dreams of it? Such strategies aren’t unique to Israel. International relations can be ugly and shameless.
In Brussels, the Elnet network (European Leadership Network) openly dedicates itself to “strengthening relations between Europe and Israel.” It's a lobby. And it doesn't slack off.
So you are not as shocked as the German politician Michael Roth, who wrote in the “Jüdische Allgemeine”: “Asselborn’s interview with Tilo Jung shocks me. Some statements about Israel seem downright malicious and sneaky. He leaves out almost nothing from the handbook of antisemitic conspiracy theories.”
I don’t know Roth’s intentions. As he says, he has also spoken about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Was he criticized for that and took the chance to remind everyone whose side he is on?
Asselborn is very much in demand in Germany — for awards, media appearances, etc. He doesn’t hesitate to send messages, for example, that being an ally of Israel doesn’t have to mean being an ally of Netanyahu.
What shocked me wasn’t Asselborn’s interview but Roth’s choice of words. His text is full of heavy-handed accusations. It’s hard to see the connection between Asselborn’s interview and Roth’s text.
Martine Kleinberg, president of Jewish Call for Peace
These answers were provided as part of the preparation for the article published by Wort on July 20, 2025: « Ist Kritik gegen Israel antisemitisch ? ».
* During the first Israeli-Arab war (1947-1949), 750,000 Palestinians fled to what are now the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring countries. They were never allowed to return home. Some 160,000 Palestinians stayed on their land and became Israeli citizens but face increasing discrimination.
** See the caricature on that website https://www.bridgemanimages.com/...
On 2 July 2025, the Luxembourg Parliament will have a debate (live streaming) with citizens on sanctions against Israel, following Public Petition 3231, which surpassed the required 4,500 signatures. Luxembourg is the only EU country where such a civic initiative has triggered a formal parliamentary discussion.
We call on the Luxembourg Government to listen to the rising voices across Luxembourg, increasingly numerous and from various backgrounds. Voices that reject the abandonment of our values and the violation of our humanity in Gaza, enabled by the inaction of our political leaders.
We ask it to apply diplomatic, commercial, and economic pressure at the national, European, and international levels to help bring an end to Israel’s destruction of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank.
In Gaza, it is a “war without limits” that “defies decency, humanity, and the law.” Palestinian civilians are “dehumanized to the point of being somehow unworthy of survival”
Children are paying the heaviest price: over 15,000 killed, thousands more suffering amputations, tens of thousands orphaned. They are deprived of everything: water, food, healthcare, schools, shelters.
Gaza has become a graveyard for medical workers, journalists, and humanitarians. The is “nowhere safe for Palestinians or those trying to help them; the humanitarian response is severely struggling under the weight of insecurity and critical supply shortages.”
After the horrors of World War II and the Shoah, international law was established as a safeguard for humanity. This shield must not be selectively applied. It cannot apply to some and be denied to others.
Still, the growing calls for a ceasefire go unanswered. It is time to turn words into action.
We are not taking sides—we stand for human dignity and justice.
Killing and starving children, destroying their means of survival, erasing their future, and inflicting immeasurable suffering on civilians—this is wrong by every ethical standard.
Only an end to the occupation, colonization, and oppression of the Palestinians will allow both peoples to know peace and security—at last.
The time to act is now—not tomorrow, when all that’s left is remembrance and regret.
Because one day our children will ask what we did while other children and their parents were bombed and destroyed before our own eyes.
This time, no one will be able to say “We didn’t know.”
Luxembourg Government, now is the time to act!
Anne-Marie Reuterécrivain
Antonia Ganetomilitante pour les droits humains
Benoît Majerushistorien
Carole Reckingerpolitologue
Catherine Elsenartiste transdisciplinaire
Gilbert Pregnopsychologue, défenseur des droits humains
Guy Rewenigécrivain
Guy Helmingerécrivain
Jana Bahrichmusicienne
Jean Asselbornancien ministre des Affaires étrangères
Jean-Marie Biwerartiste peintre
Jean Portante écrivain
Katy Foxprofesseur
Lambert Schlechterécrivain
Laura Zuccoliancienne présidente ASTI, vice-présidente MDM
Luc Heuschlingprofesseur de droit constitutionnel
Lydie Errancienne Ombudsman du Luxembourg
Martine Kleinbergprésidente Jewish Call for Peace
Nora Schleichphilosophe
Serge Tonnarartiste et activiste
Sophie Mouselcomédienne
Vicky Kriepsactrice
Adolf El Assalréalisateur
Adriano Lopes da Silvachanteur, auteur-compositeur
Adrien Thomaschercheur en science politique
Aïda Patricia Schweitzerartiste
Alain Hermanenseignant, militant syndical et politique
Albert Ettingerprofesseur e.r. et auteur
Alexandra Uppmanartiste
Ali Ruckertjournaliste
Aloyse Leytemhistorien
Ana Pintoprésidente la voix des Survivant-e-s asbl
André Roeltgensyndicaliste
André Schreibergraphic designer
André Wenglerprofesseur e.r.
Andrea Spigarellisyndicaliste
Anja Di Bartolomeoartiste / autrice
Anne Schroederréalisatrice, enseignante
Anne Simontheatre Director and Filmmaker
Anne-Catherine Mulhernarchitecte
Annick Schadeckchorégraphe
Anouk Wageneractrice
Antoine Paccoudchercheur
Antoine Pohuécrivain et dramaturge
Antoinette Reuterhistorienne
Antoni Montserrat Molinermembre de la Plateforme Intégration Immigration Luxembourg
Aude-Laurence Bivercomédienne et metteuse en scène
Batty Gallionsociologue
Ben Stemperhistorien
Benjamin Colesteacher and writer
Bernard Thillmédecin et président de Médecins du Monde (LU)
Betsy Aschmanconseillère communale déi gréng
Betty Welter-Gauléchevine Commune de Strassen
Biwer Robertretraité, ancien bourgmestre de Bettembourg
Botagoz Serikbaevaartiste
Brigitte Urhausenactrice
Camille Kergermusicien, compositeur, chanteur
Carla Lucarelliécrivain
Carlo Jansmusicien
Carole Melchiorartiste photographe
Cary Greischmusicien
Catherine Kontzcompositrice/musique
Catherine Richardréalisatrice, conseillère en éduc. interculturelle
Catherine Scheeranthropologue, enseignante-chercheuse
Catherine Warinavocate, maîtresse de conférences en droit
Cécile Jeitzprofesseure honoraire du Conservatoire de la Ville de Luxembourg
Cédric Kaysermusician
Céline Camaracomédienne
Charel Marguedéputé déi gréng 2018-2023, membre du CSVEI
Christian Bauerarchitecte
Christian Thiryauthor
Christiane Kremerjournaliste e.r., éditrice, auteure
Christianne Wicklerentrepreneur
Christine Dahm-Mathonetdiplômée communications sociales
Christoph Rosenbergarchitecte - urbaniste
Claire Thillcomédienne, autrice
Claude Frisoniartiste, auteur
Claude Genglercaricaturiste e.r.
Claude Mangenacteur, metteur en scène
Claude Neuprofessionnel de la communication e.r.
Claude Waringoproducteur
Clio Van Aerdeartist
Colum Mulhernarchitecte
Coralie Greischmusicienne
Corina Ciocârlieécrivain
Cosimo Sugliaschrëftsteller
Dan Wirothjournaliste
Dana Rufolodirecteur, Theater Research Institute of Europe asbl
Danièle Nielessyndicaliste retraitée
Danielle Hoffeltpoète
David Pereiradirecteur
Diane Elsenengagée pour la santé des femmes
Diego Lo Piccolodirecteur
Dijana Engelmannartiste sculptrice
Djamila Aouadaprofesseur
Dominique Santanahistorienne et réalisatrice
Donato Rotunnoproducteur/Réalisateur
Édouard Kayserprofesseur e. r., historien
Eileen Byrnefilm Director
Élodie Malandaenseignante-chercheuse
Elsa Rauchscomédienne et metteur en scène
Ema Macaramusicienne
Emanuele Santiprésident et cofondateur Afrilanthropy et chef d’enterpise
Emily Groganmusician
Emmanuelle Wilhelmneuroscientifique, médecin
Enrico Lunghihistorien de l'art
Eolia Versticheldocteure en sciences-humaines
Eric Schumacherartiste plasticien et scénographe
Erna Hennicot-Schoepgesancien ministre et anc. députée européenne
Eugénie Anselincomédienne
Fabrizio Malteseproducteur / réalisateur
Fanny Weinquinhistorienne de l'art
Florence Weimerkirchinstitutrice e.r., SEW-OGbL: SOS-Racisme MLF
Franco Perroniancien co-SG de l'Assemblée parlementaire euro-méditerranéenne
Françoise Binsfelddirectrice d'ONG
Frank Hoffmannmetteur en scène, directeur artistique
Frank Thillenconseiller communal
Frank Wiesavocat
Fränz Hausemerréalisateur-musicien
Frédéric Braunjournaliste
Frederico Majerusréalisateur/scénariste
Friederike Hutharchitecte paysagiste
Frin Woltermusician
Georges Kiefferécrivain
Germaine Goetzingerdirectrice CNL e.r.
Gilles Wunschjournaliste e.r., photographe, guide touristique
Giulia Helmingerartist
Govinda Van Maeleréalisateur
Guy Daleidenfonctionnaire d’Etat
Hany Heshmatmusicien
Henri Wehenkelhistorien
Hubert Hausemerphilosophe
Isabelle Lutzartiste
Ivano Iogna Pratjournaliste
Jacques Drescherjournaliste e.r.
Jacques Hillionjournaliste e. r.
Jacques Molitorréalisateur et scénariste
Janine Frischprofesseur e.r., ancienne conseillère communale de la Ville de Luxembourg
Jean Delvauxartiste-peintre
Jean Goedertarchitecte
Jean Hamiliusretraité, ancien Ministre
Jean-Marc Cloospsychiatre
Jean-Paul Nicolaymédecin généraliste
Jean-Pierre Thilgesjournaliste, critique de cinéma
Jeannot Kettelhistorien
Jeff Weitzeldirecteur de l'Office national de l'enfance honoraire
Jérôme Quiqueretécrivain
Jessica Lopessociologue
Jill MullaneU official
Jimmy Skenderovicéchevin
Jitz Jeitzmusicien de jazz
Jojo Weckerprésidente commission du vivre ensemble, Stadtbredimus
Jos Scheuerdéputé honoraire, maire d'Echternach, anc vice-président du LSAP
Josee Hansenautrice, travailleuse culturelle
Joseph Kayserécrivain
Josh Islandmusician
Josip Glaurdićprofesseur en sciences politiques
Julie Conraddesigner
Julien Beckerréalisateur et producteur
Jürgen Stoldtpolitologue
Justine Blauartiste plasticienne
Karma Catenaartist - musician
Kerstin Medingerécrivain
Kim Schneiderfilmmaker
Larry Bonifasmusicien, auteur, componiste, chanteur
Laura Schroederfilmmaker
Laurie Lamborellestyliste de mode
Leo Folschetteproducture TV, actor
Leon Krierarchitecte et urbaniste
Letizia Romaninivisual artist
Lex Gillenmusicien
Lisa Burkebroadcaster
Lisa Kohlartiste
Luc Wiesvisual artist
Luce van den Bosscheécrivaine
Luciane Paulymédecin généraliste
Lucien Blauhistorien
Lucien Steilarchitecte
Luka Tonnarmusicien, producteur, compositeur
Magaly Teixeiraactress
Marc Angelartiste
Marc Gergescommunication politique
Marc Thilljournaliste
Marco Lorenziniacteur
Margot Reding Schroederartiste
Mari Fe Pavónmusicienne
Marianne Donvenprésidente d’Open Home - Oppent Haus Asbl
Marie Anne Rodesch-Hengeschombudsman pour les droits de l’Enfant e.r.
Marie-Laure Rollandla Voix des Survivant(e)s Asbl
Marja-Leena Junkercomédienne
Marlene Soaresphotographe
Martine Goergenchirurgien
Martine Kriepsavocat à la cour
Martine Mayeuxjournaliste
Martine Solovieffprocureur général d’Etat honoraire
Mary Faltzdéfenseure des droits humains, écrivaine
Maryse Krierécrivaine
Maryse Lannersjournaliste
Maurice Wagnerscientist
Max Lenersavocat à la Cour
Max Thommesacteur
Maxime Weberschrëftsteller
Mélina Steiner / Emeraudechanteuse
Michel Erpeldingchercheur en droit international
Michel Paulyhistorien
Michel Pletschettemédecin, enseignant
Michèle Cleesactrice, professeur d’art dramatique e.r
Michèle Frankartiste-peintre, écrivaine
Michèle Hemmeragent culturel
Michèle Thomaécrivain
Mike Butchersound Engineer / Producer
Milla Trauschactrice et pédagogue de théâtre
Mireille Weiten-de Wahaécrivaine
Misch Feinentravailleur culturel
Mohamed Hamdihistorien
Monique Paillardancienne présidente des Amis du Tibet-Luxembourg
Monique Schroedersculpteur-ceramiste
Nadia Masrifilm director
Nadia Piazzienseignante / historienne
Nadia Prangemusicienne
Nadine Zangariniartist
Naomi Berrendeditor and author
Nataša Grujovićmusician/composer
Natasha Lepageclimate justice and Human rights activist
Nathalie Noé Adamartiste
Nathalie Oberweispolitologue
Nathalie Reulandpsychothérapeute
Nathalie Ronvauxauteure
Neckel Scholtusartiste photographe
Nezar Al Rawifilm Producer
Nico Pundelbourgmestre de Strassen
Nicolas Hirschcommunal counsellor déi Gréng / counsellor respect.lu
Nicolas Steilproducteur de films
Norbert Stompdirecteur MNHN e.r.
Oscar Martinacteur
Paca Rimbau Hernandeztraductrice
Panajota Panotopoulouarchitecte
Pascal Graniczkabarätist
Pascale Junkersystemic Foresight Expert and author
Pascale Noé Adamactrice
Patricia Lippertartist
Patrick Kleeblattjournaliste
Patrizia Arendtmilitante associative
Paul Delaunoisemployé dans une ONG
Paul Thiltgesproducteur de films
Paul Zahlenhistorien
Paulo Lobophotographe
Philippe Nathanarchitecte
Pia Burggraffjournaliste
Pierre Hurtlawyer/professor
Pierre Marmannmédecin ORL et écrivain
Pina Delvauxartiste
Pit Péportéhistorien
Pit Riewerpeintre
Pit Wagnerartiste visuel
Pol Wirtzretraité journaliste et consultant
Rari Mateiréalisateur et scénariste
Raymond Beckerfriddensplattform
René Kollwelterprofesseur, anc. Député
René Penningdirecteur Kulturfabrik
Ricardo Sandovalmusicien
Richard Grafjournaliste e.r., acteur de la solidarité intern.
Rico Winandymusicien / artiste-peintre / sculpteur
Rita Velazquezconseillère communale
Robert Altmannprésident honoraire d'Amnesty International Luxembourg
Robert Brandyartiste peintre
Robert Hallartist
Rogers Delgado Sáezancien prisonnier politique au Chili
Rosalie Marie Clemensculture / history
Roxanne Peguetréalisatrice
Sabrina Castelloprésidente de l'association antiraciste Ally Book Club asbl
Sandro Dos Santosjournaliste
Sascha Leyperformer
Serge Allegrezzaéconomiste statisticien
Serge Kollwelterinstituteur e.r.
Serge Urbanyretraité, député honoraire
Serge Wolfspergerauteur-réalisateur
Shade Sadiku Cuminiartiste visuel
Sidney Wiltgenjournalist
Skerdi Zanajprofessor at University of Luxembourg
Sophie Langevinmetteuse en scène, comédienne
Stéphane Rousselauteur et metteur en scène
Stephany Ortegachanteuse
Stephen De Ronavocat à la Cour
Steve Karieractor
Stilbé Schroedercuratrice et responsable d’exposition
Sylvie Braquetpsychothérapeute
Tammy Reichlingenseignante/ theaterartist
Tania Soubryartiste transdisciplinaire
Tarik Bouriachisociologue
Théo Péporté
Thierry Besselingfilmregisseur
Thierry Simonellipsychanalyste
Thierry Winnjournaliste, Reporter d’Images
Thomas Cauvinhistorian
Thomas Faber - Maz Univerzemusician/Artist
Tilly Metzdéputée européenne
Tine Krumhornartiste
Tom Aleschréalisateur
Tullio Forgiariniécrivain, scénariste
Tun Bievermusicien, producteur
Tun Tonnarmusic producer/artist
Vanessa Brownartist
Vania Lecuitvioloniste
Véronique Faberdoctorante en histoire
Véronique Fauconnetmetteure en scène, comédienne
Veronique Poujoljournaliste
Victor Tricarartiste
Viktoria Vanyiartiste indépendante
Vincent Gérinmusician
Viviane Loschetterpédagogue sociale
Viviane Thillcritique de cinéma
Yann Tonnarproducteur
Yolande Petry-Fettpédagogue théâtrale
Yves Conrardytravailleur culturel
Zohra Mradartiste, designer
The call for signatures is now closed. We’ve gathered over 315 signatures from public figures and 467 from engaged citizens. Thank you for your support and for spreading the word. Stay connected with us on social media to follow the next steps of the campaign and discover how you can continue to make a difference.
Film (1h40) 
subtitled in French and English.
One of the prevailing narratives about the Holocaust is that Jews went to their deaths like sheep to the slaughter. Running contrary to this portrayal is the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising—the largest and most well-known act of Jewish resistance during World War II. The film Resistance: They Fought Back forcefully counters this narrative, going beyond a single example to highlight numerous acts of Jewish resistance, both violent and non-violent.
The film is being screened by Jewish Call for Peace. By showcasing the strength, resourcefulness, and resilience of the Eastern European Jewish community, this screening is part of our effort to reclaim our Eastern European Jewish history and identity. It also stands in opposition to the dominant Israeli mythology that depicts pre-WWII European Jews as weak and in need of transformation into the armed, heroic Israeli figure.
The acts of bravery portrayed in the film serve as a powerful reminder of Jewish traditions of solidarity, comradeship, and resistance against oppression.
"To be a Jew means always being with the oppressed, never with the oppressors." — Marek Edelman, a leader of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Traditional European Jewish finger food will be served after the screening.
We would like to thank the large number of people (nearly 80) who attended our screening on 6 May. The debate was rich and intense, testifying to both the emotions and reflections aroused by the film, with regard to a little-known history and a present in which this history resonates in many ways. The reception provided an opportunity to discover traditional finger-food from Eastern Europe and to extend the discussions.
Here is a written transcript of what the host of the evening had to say, minus the practical information.
As Jewish Call for Peace, and part of wider networks of European and worldwide Jewish organizations, we are trying to reclaim and celebrate a certain European Jewish identity and culture. We thought to focus on the topic of resistance, both cultural and violent resistance, because we want to learn and think about the subject. As well, following our recent conference concerning Israeli historiography and narratives around the holocaust, we want to give clarification on and discuss the official Israeli version of the story around resistance.
Despite some flaws, we believe that this film, and the stories within, are worth sharing because they demonstrate a vibrant Jewish culture together with the Jewish traditions of solidarity, comradeship, and resistance against oppression.
As a progressive association, with universalist and humanist values, we are choosing to stand with the oppressed and to identify with these traditions, and we hope that others will join us.
Before we begin the discussion, we thought it would be useful to add some context and make some clarifications.
The film falls into the trap of presenting the Jewish resistance as “unified.” Just in the Warsaw Ghetto, for instance, there were major conflicts between different factions. Major conflicts like this also exist today. There was never one unified vision in the Jewish communities, be it on religious aspects of Judaism, political thought, emancipation, or on Israel. What is important is that the different groups, today, talk together.
In the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the biggest separation was between the ZOB, often translated to English as the Jewish Combat Organization and composed of left-leaning Jewish political groups, and the ZZW, translated to the Jewish Military Union, which was right-wing in nature. Even among the left-leaning groups, there was a division of ideology: the film mentioned Hashomer Hatzair, which is a Labor-Zionist group. Not mentioned was the large presence of the General Jewish Labour Bund, which was largely secular and anti-Zionist, and more aligned with the Soviet Union.
As was discussed in our recent conference, “Exploiting memory,” the Israeli government often portrays the pre-WWII Jews as weak and in need of transformation into the Sabra, the armed and powerful Israeli figure. The purpose is to enforce a narrative of victimhood and to coral their people around Israeli nationalism, and against their Palestinian neighbours. Acts of Jewish resistance, both cultural and armed resistance, fly in the face of this description. However, we want to take note that the Israelis have also claimed the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising as inspired by the Zionist project, by the “thought of their companions across the Mediterranean, the happy people making the desert bloom in Eretz Israel.”
So, in summary, the official Israeli narrative is that the Jews were either 1) weak, or 2) brave, but acting as a Zionist entity. On the other hand, figures such as Marek Edelman, in public statements, have directly contradicted this narrative. There appears to be a fight over the historiography, and I hope that by showcasing a film like this and talking about all the different factions involved: zionist, anti-zionist communist, right-wing, orthodox, etc., we can all gain a deeper understanding.
The Holocaust is one of the most well-documented events in history. Over the past 40 years, there’s been a push to commemorate the Holocaust in a new way: to situate it among other tragedies and conflicts. By challenging crude distortions of narrative, and showcasing resistance, we hope that we can encourage people to take this universalist approach, and to show compassion and bravery and, especially in current times, to stand with the oppressed.
The film is focused on Eastern European Jewish resistance specifically. We’d like to point out that there were many Jews involved in larger resistance groups. For example, in France, many Jewish fighters were attached to the France-Tireurs et Partisans Français (FTPF). In fact, at one point the FTPF in Paris was led by Joseph Epstein, a Polish-born Jewish communist and veteran of the Spanish civil war. On that note, it would have been nice for the film to highlight the participation of Jewish people who volunteered to fight against Franco’s Nationalist regime in the Spanish civil war.
Speakers: Hilla Dayan, Nurit Peled-Elhanan, Amira Hass
Moderator: Martine Kleinberg (Jewish Call for Peace)
Program:
16:30 - 16:45
Introduction
16:45 - 17:30
Amira Hass - Merchandising the holocaust or the killing of history
17:30 - 18:15
Nurit Peled-Elhanan - Holocaust education: the rhetoric of victimhood and power
18:30 - 19:15
Hilla Dayan - "Antisemitism in the genes". Remembrance and ignorance in racial constructions of European minorities
19:15-19:30
Conclusions
From 19:30
Attendees are welcome to enjoy dinner at the Culture Bar and continue the discussion. To join, please reserve your table directly with the restaurant in advance.
Film (1h16) subtitled in English, French and Arabic. Debate in direct oral translation from English into French
In a conflict that seems more intractable than ever, some men and women have decided to take the narrow bridge of reconciliation.This is the story of Bushra, Bassam, Rami, Meytal, Palestinians and Israelis, parents and children, who have paid the price of blood. They have decided to break the circle of vengeance and appeal together to humanity.
The screening will be followed by a discussion with Salwa and Bassam Aramin, the parents of Abir, aged 10, murdered in 2007 by an Israeli policeman, and Rami Elhanan, father of Smadar, aged 14, victim of a suicide bombing in 1997. They will be signing the book that Irish writer Colum McCann dedicated to them, Apeirogon (2021).
Are you interested in organising a meeting with Salwa, Bassam and Rami in a school or another setting? Contact contact@jcp.lu
Jewish Call for Peace asbl (JCP) is a progressive and secular association, based in Luxembourg, which bases its action on humanist and universal values.
Created from the desire to bring a different Jewish voice on the Israeli-Palestinian question, it brings together Jewish and non-Jewish members with diverse backgrounds, identities and political opinions.
Jewish voices are plural. JCP wants to give a voice to those who advocate justice, equality and security for Israelis and Palestinians and an end to the Israeli occupation and colonization of the Palestinian territories.
We want to react to the confusion that has grown in recent years between the terms Jewish and Zionist, Jewish and unconditional defender of Israel, Jewish and Israeli.
It is necessary to clarify these misleading amalgams in order to safeguard the right to solidarity with the Palestinian people and to fight against antisemitic prejudices.
JCP has following objectives:
From the Jewish heritage, we uphold above all the universal values of dignity, responsibility, and commitment against injustice. Together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international law, those values are the basis of our action.
Through open debates, cultural or political events, and media interventions, we want to reach out to all audiences.
We cooperate with other associations sharing the same values, among them associations encouraging the Jewish-Arab and Jewish-Muslim dialogue, beyond stereotype and essentialization.
The annual fee is 15 EUR. We will send you the bank references by e-mail.
This form allows you to become adhering member. Adhering members are invited to participate in the general meetings of the association without voting rights. Full members are those who have been adhering members for one year and obtain an absolute majority of the votes of the full members present at the next general meeting.
If you wish to support our cause, you can also become a sympathizer. You will be informed of our activities. If you wish to show your support by making a donation, please write to contact@jcp.lu and we will send you the bank details by e-mail.
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