Nan Goldin's Israel Criticism at Berlin Exhibition Draws Strong Backlash

The artist's remarks on Gaza and Lebanon, invoking terms like 'genocide,' have led to sharp criticism from German officials and cultural leaders.

Nan Goldin, a renowned Jewish-American artist, used the opening of her Berlin retrospective to denounce Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon as 'genocide.'
Her remarks included comparisons between the Gaza conflict and historical pogroms her grandparents escaped, as well as criticism of Germany's handling of pro-Palestinian protests.
German Culture Minister Claudia Roth and Berlin's Culture Senator Joe Chialo condemned Goldin's speech as 'unbearably one-sided' and 'historically oblivious.'
Pro-Palestinian activists in the audience disrupted a counter-speech by National Gallery Director Klaus Biesenbach, who defended Israel's right to exist while acknowledging civilian suffering in Gaza.
The Neue Nationalgalerie, hosting Goldin's exhibition, emphasized its commitment to free expression and announced a symposium on art and activism to foster dialogue on polarizing issues.