On February 18, Berlin witnessed a landmark event, ‘Reclaiming the Discourse: Palestine, Justice, and Truth,’ organised by DiEM25 in collaboration with Jüdische Stimme, Eye4Palestine, and Gaza Komitee Berlin. Despite facing major challenges, including intense pressure from local authorities that necessitated a last-minute venue change, the event emerged as a powerful testament to resilience and the unwavering pursuit of justice.

Originally planned to be hosted at Kühlhaus Berlin, the gathering was compelled to relocate to Junge Welt, Torstraße 6, 10119 Berlin, due to coercive tactics employed by German politicians and the Berlin police. These actions, aimed at silencing discourse on Palestine, only strengthened the resolve of organisers and participants alike. The event proceeded with a full house, while many more joined via the exclusive YouTube livestream, underscoring a global solidarity that transcends borders.

Carolina Rehrmann, DiEM25 Coordinating Collective

The day’s proceedings commenced with a series of poignant film screenings, notably the documentary ‘The Reason of State,’ which set a reflective tone and provided historical context to the discussions that followed. This cinematic exploration laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the Palestinian struggle.

A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In her compelling speech titled ‘International Law in the Face of the Gaza Genocide,’ Albanese dissected the legal frameworks pertinent to the ongoing crisis, offering a nuanced perspective that challenged prevailing narratives. Her insights ignited a robust dialogue during the subsequent Q&A session, where attendees engaged in meaningful exchanges about international accountability and human rights.

Johannes Fehr, DiEM25 Organising Director

The evening progressed with a segment titled ‘Humanitarian Work Between Emergency and Repression,’ featuring presentations by Julia Duchrow, General Secretary of Amnesty International, and Riad Othman from Medico International. Their discussions illuminated the intricate balance between providing immediate aid and navigating the political obstacles that often hinder humanitarian efforts. Their on-the-ground experiences offered attendees a sobering look into the realities faced by aid organizations operating in conflict zones.

Interwoven throughout the event were artistic expressions that enriched the discourse. Violinist Michael Barenboim, accompanied by the Nasmé Ensemble, delivered stirring musical performances that resonated deeply with the audience, serving as a poignant reminder of the cultural heritage at stake. Additionally, author Leila Boukarim‘s reading from “A Million Kites” provided a heartfelt narrative that humanised the abstract statistics often associated with the conflict, bringing personal stories to the forefront.

The culminating panel discussion, ‘Justice, Obstacles, and the Role of Civil Society,’ brought together a diverse group of voices, including Eyal Weizman of Forensic Architecture, legal expert and MERA25 candidate in Germany Melanie Schweizer, and Palestinian doctor Qassem Massri. Moderated by Carolina Rehrmann and Karin de Rigo of DiEM25 and MERA25, the panel delved into the systemic challenges impeding justice and the pivotal role that civil society plays in advocating for change. The dialogue underscored the necessity of collective action and the power of grassroots movements in effecting tangible progress.

In a gesture of solidarity, all proceeds from the event were donated to UNRWA and Medico International for emergency aid to Gaza, translating words into actionable support for those affected. This act exemplified the event’s commitment not only to discourse but also to direct impact.

‘Reclaiming the Discourse: Palestine, Justice, and Truth’ transcended the barriers imposed upon it, emerging as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for ongoing dialogue. It reaffirmed the power of unity in the face of adversity and the essential role of open discourse in the pursuit of justice. The event’s success serves as a clarion call to continue challenging suppression and to steadfastly advocate for human rights and dignity worldwide.

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