BERLIN (JTA) — A German-Jewish journalist can describe anti-Israel statements by the daughter of a former German-Jewish leader as anti-Semitic, a German court ruled.
A regional appeals court in Cologne removed a gag order Wednesday on Jewish journalist Henryk Broder, ruling that the German constitution protects Broder’s freedom of expression in the matter.
Evelyn Hecht-Galinski — whose father, Heinz Galinski, headed the Central Council of Jews in Germany until he died in 1992 — at various times has suggested that the Central Council is a mouthpiece for the State of Israel; complained about what she calls a "Jewish-Israel lobby" with a "worldwide network" trying to control criticism of Israel; and defended those who compared Israel’s protective barrier to the Warsaw ghetto.
Hecht-Galinski had sued over a letter Broder wrote to a radio station last May in which he complained about her remarks during an interview, and said that she "specializes in anti-Semitic statements." He published his letter on the Axis of Good Web site until a temporary injunction was invoked at Hecht-Galinski’s behest.
At the time, Hecht-Galinski told JTA she objected to being called an anti-Semite but not to being called anti-Zionist.
The court overturned the injunction, but Hecht-Galinski reportedly plans to pursue the case next month in Cologne district court.
Reporting the stories that define our era. When history unfolds in real-time, the Jewish world turns to JTA. Your support ensures we can document the complexities of war and the resilience of Jewish communities with integrity.
