Palestine flag in front of the Reichstag: In flag madness

Flags are really nothing to get excited about. Because, among other things, they don't unite, they always exclude. And the taste of nationalism is constantly wafting with them. Everyone who waves flags should keep this in mind - and especially whoever hoists a Palestine flag in front of the Reichstag.

The strong criticism of the activists from “Peacefully against Genocide”, who climbed the 30 meter high flagpole on Sunday to replace the Germany flag that was actually flying there, goes in a completely different direction. And above all, it shows one thing again: how deadlocked the discussions about the Middle East are in this country. And how little willingness to listen even for a moment.

Unfortunately, it is only to be expected that the Palestine activism haters in Bild will immediately write about Pali shame. The fact that the President of the Bundestag, Julia Klöckner (CDU), talks about “Palestine chaos” cannot be surprising, after all, as the head of the house, she has to distract from the fact that she did not have the situation in front of the House under control.

The taz is an independent, left-wing and opinionated daily newspaper. We have been arguing in our comments, essays and debate texts since the taz was founded in 1979. We often cannot and do not want to agree on an opinion. That's why you'll find some completely opposing positions here - all part of the very broad left-wing spectrum of opinions.

But at the latest when an FDP politician like Karoline Preisler simply insults the activists on

Even if you view the action critically. The Palestine flag is not a Hamas flag, but that of the state that would be part of a two-state solution that many want. And the decidedly non-violent activists are not supporters of terror, but rather criticize it violently. But they see him on the other side when they accuse Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip. Finally, a lawsuit is pending against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague because of the accusation of genocide in Gaza.

And if Germany supplies weapons to Israel, then it can be seen as part of a historical responsibility after the Holocaust. Like the activists, one can also conclude from this responsibility that any supply of arms is prohibited, especially in a war zone like the Middle East.

There is no doubt that anti-Semitism is not an inch away. You should keep your ears open just a little. And also want to listen.