**Berlin Exhibition Highlights Artist’s Stance on Gaza Conflict**
At the opening of her exhibition in Berlin, renowned American photographer and activist Nan Goldin took a firm stance against the ongoing conflict in Gaza, articulating her outrage and calling attention to what she characterized as “genocide in Gaza and Lebanon.” Goldin, who is 71 years old, expressed her desire to utilize her retrospective showcase at the Neue Nationalgalerie as a platform to highlight her moral discontent regarding the situation in the region.
Goldin, born in Washington D.C. and of Jewish descent, recounted the historical suffering of her family, whose ancestors fled pogroms in Russia. She reflected on her upbringing, heavily influenced by stories of the Holocaust, likening the current plight of those in Gaza to the traumas her grandparents endured. “What I see in Gaza reminds me of the pogroms that my grandparents escaped,” she stated, illustrating her deep emotional connection to the events unfolding today.
As she spoke about the widespread devastation and displacement within Gaza, Goldin urged the audience to understand that expressing criticism towards Israel should not be mistaken for antisemitism. Her remarks resonated with many attendees, who responded by chanting slogans advocating for the liberation of Palestine. The applause was so loud that it overshadowed the subsequent comments made by gallery director Klaus Biesenbach.
Goldin also directed her criticism towards Germany, arguing that the nation has largely overlooked the rise in Islamophobia. She pointed out that Germany hosts the largest Palestinian community in Europe, yet protests advocating for Palestinian rights are often met with police repression, including the use of police dogs and deportations.
Following her speech, Hermann Parzinger, the president of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, condemned both Goldin’s remarks and the protesters who interrupted Biesenbach’s speech. He stated that such actions did not align with the principles of free expression. Meanwhile, Biesenbach acknowledged his disagreement with Goldin’s stance but emphasized her right to voice her opinions openly.
In a subsequent statement relayed by Biesenbach, he made it clear that the gallery does not support the stance taken by the protestors and reaffirmed its commitment to freedom of expression and respectful dialogue.
Titled “This Will Not End Well,” Goldin’s retrospective at the Neue Nationalgalerie features an extensive collection of her artwork, including slideshows and film presentations accompanied by music, providing a full overview of her creative journey.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported earlier this week that the death toll stemming from the year-long conflict between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000, with a significant percentage being women and children. Their statistics do not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties. On the other hand, the Israeli military claims to have eliminated over 17,000 militants, although they have not disclosed any supporting evidence.
With approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents displaced, the humanitarian crisis is severe. This conflict escalated after Hamas militants invaded southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the kidnapping of another 250 individuals. Currently, it is estimated that about 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least a third presumed dead.