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Philosopher Omri Boehm's Speech Postponed at Buchenwald Liberation Anniversary

The decision, following Israeli government objections, highlights tensions over Holocaust remembrance and political influence on commemorative events.

Wegen der Einladung Boehms hatte sich ein Konflikt zwischen der Gedenkstätte und Vertretern der israelischen Regierung angebahnt
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Overview

  • Omri Boehm, a German-Israeli philosopher and grandson of Holocaust survivors, was invited to speak at the 80th anniversary of Buchenwald's liberation but his speech has been postponed indefinitely.
  • The postponement was made to avoid a conflict with the Israeli government, which accused Boehm of Holocaust relativization, and to protect Holocaust survivors from being drawn into the controversy.
  • Jens-Christian Wagner, director of the Buchenwald memorial, emphasized that Boehm was invited for his ethical reflections on history and human rights, not for political reasons.
  • The Israeli Embassy in Berlin criticized Boehm's invitation as offensive, alleging he undermines Holocaust remembrance, though Wagner defended Boehm's integrity and scholarly contributions.
  • The memorial foundation has committed to rescheduling Boehm's speech at a later date, while the April 6 commemoration will proceed with approximately ten Holocaust survivors expected to attend.