Igor Levit Organizes Concert to Combat Antisemitism in Germany

In the wake of a significant Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, Germany has witnessed a disturbing rise in antisemitic events. Notably, the silence from the German cultural scene in response to these incidents has been markedly deafening. Renowned pianist Igor Levit expressed profound disappointment with the lack of outcry following the devastating attack which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of 240 civilians. Levit conveyed his thoughts on the matter via an Instagram post, emphasizing how vital it is for the artistic community to speak out against such injustices.

Breaking the Silence

To counteract this silence, Levit helped organize a concert entitled 'Against silence. Against antisemitism.' The event transpired at the Berliner Ensemble, a reputable theater in Berlin. It assembled a mix of influencers from Germany's cultural and political circuits, offering a program of music, speeches, and readings dedicated to combating hatred.

Contributors to the Cause

The concert featured influential figures like Michel Friedman, former president of the European Jewish Congress, who underscored the urgency of opposing antisemitism during his speech, critiquing the cultural sector's lackluster support for Hamas' victims. The evening was graced with performances and contributions from a diverse group, including singer-songwriter Wolf Biermann, rock band Die Toten Hosen, pop sensation Sven Regener, composer Malakoff Kowalski, and Joana Mallwitz, the Konzerthausorchester Berlin's principal conductor and artistic director.

Notable attendees such as Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer, ZDF journalist Dunja Hayali, actress Katharina Thalbach, climate activist Luisa Neubauer, and director Maria Schrader also enriched the event with their presence. The significance of the evening resonated deeply, considering all 700 tickets were claimed within minutes of their release.

Powerful Messages from the Event

A particularly poignant moment occurred when 102-year-old Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer spoke. She shared her fears regarding the resurgence of antisemitism and reminded the audience that humanity transcends all religious and cultural divides.

Reflecting on the impact of the concert, Michel Friedman commented on the melancholic mood among Jews in Germany, explaining that the event aims to empower the Jewish community by showing solidarity in the face of growing antisemitism. Levit echoed these sentiments, describing the concert as a form of solace while pondering his own future in Germany. As someone who champions human rights, Levit vowed to continue advocating for minorities and those in danger.

To further this mission, Levit plans to conduct at least fifteen more events mirroring the format of this anti-antisemitism concert, with the proceeds supporting anti-violence and anti-discrimination initiatives.

antisemitism, concert, solidarity