The Berlin National Gallery opened an exhibit on Friday featuring acclaimed American photographer and outspoken anti-Israel activist Nan Goldin.
The artist, known for her work in photography and activism, has drawn sharp criticism for her role in organizing a controversial letter signed by artists two weeks after the October 7 attacks, accusing Israel of genocide and calling for a boycott of the country.
Opening event of photographer Nan Goldin's exhibit in the Berlin National Gallery
(Video: Itamar Eichner)
During the exhibit's opening event, Goldin took the stage to reiterate her accusations, alleging Israel was committing genocide and urging Germany to halt its arms shipments to the country. She likened the images from Gaza to the pogroms her parents experienced in Russia. Her remarks were met with enthusiastic applause and flag-waving from attendees inside the gallery, while a large pro-Palestinian demonstration took place outside.
Following Goldin's speech, the museum's director addressed the audience, expressing disagreement with her comments and affirming Israel's right to self-defense. However, his remarks were drowned out by boos and interruptions from the audience, preventing him from continuing.
The uproar comes in the wake of a Bundestag resolution aimed at protecting Jewish life in Germany. The measure endorsed the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and included provisions to restrict government funding for projects deemed antisemitic, particularly in the fields of culture and academia, where concerns about rising antisemitism have grown.
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While critics in the cultural world argued the resolution stifles free speech, Friday’s events highlighted a contrasting reality: expressions of hostility toward Israel received a central platform under the guise of artistic and free expression, while efforts to defend Israel faced intense backlash and suppression.
Goldin’s exhibit is displayed at the National Gallery, part of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, Germany’s largest state-funded cultural institution. The foundation, exempted from upcoming budget cuts, will continue to receive full state funding despite the controversy.