Demonstrations: “Give Peace a Chance!”: “Arsch-huh” peace demonstration in Cologne

Hundreds of people took part in a peace rally organized by the artists’ initiative “Arsch huh” in Cologne under the title “Give Peace a Chance!” demonstrated for peace in the Middle East.

The “bestial attack by Hamas” should be condemned without any ifs and buts, and any form of hatred of Jews must be combated resolutely, said former SPD federal chairman Norbert Walter-Borjans in his speech. “With such a crystal-clear attitude, can you simultaneously feel empathy for the 1.7 million people in the Gaza Strip who are on the run?” he asked. “Yes, of couse!” Like several other speakers, he responded to criticism that had been expressed in advance of the call for the demo.

The vice president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Abraham Lehrer, canceled his participation because the call placed the terrorist organization Hamas and the Israeli army on the same level. He accused the organizers of denying Israel’s right to self-defense.

Criticism of Netanyahu must be possible

The FDP politician Gerhart Baum agreed with Lehrer in his speech at the “Arsch Huh” demo: The call condemns the murderous attack by Hamas, but it puts attackers and victims on the same level. It is unacceptable to talk about “both warring parties”. It is not acceptable for Israeli soldiers to be equated with a “terrorist criminal gang.” According to Baum, criticism of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has allied himself with extreme right-wing forces, or of the “aggressive settlement policy in the West Bank” must also be possible. “We have to say that too when we look without fear at all aspects of this dispute,” said Baum.

“Arsch huh, Zäng ussenander” (loosely translated: “Get up and open your mouth”) sees itself as one of the most influential artists and musicians’ initiatives against racism and neo-Nazis. In 1992, the initiative mobilized around 100,000 people to demonstrate against the right.