City of Jena firmly rejects statements by "Jena for Palestine"

The city of Jena has responded to the recently published interview by the group "Jena for Palestine" in the local media and clarified that it does not share their interpretations and political messages. The event in August, which was announced by the group as a "cultural evening" in StadtLab Jena, has shown in the public perception that a mixture of cultural work with political agitation could not be ruled out. In addition, the event had already been shared on relevant anti-Semitic social media sites in the run-up to the event, without a usage agreement for the StadtLab being in place.

Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche explains:
"It is important to draw a clear dividing line: Cultural offerings are welcome in Jena, but not if they are recognizably placed in the context of political actions that could convey one-sided accusations of guilt or serve anti-Semitic narratives. As a city, we have a duty to protect our spaces and keep them free for real cultural and educational work."

The decision not to allow the event together with the economic development agency was correct and necessary from the city of Jena's point of view. Due to a pro-Palestinian demonstration registered at the same time in the city center, which in turn was also canceled immediately after the city canceled the Jena for Palestine group, the city administration closely monitored the subsequent communication and further actions of the group.

Mayor and Head of Security Benjamin Koppe emphasizes:
"When advertising is carried out through anti-Semitic channels, it is obvious that it is not just about culture or community. It is unacceptable to us when cultural formats are used as a cover for political agitation with problematic messages. There is no place in Jena for the dissemination of content that fuels anti-Semitic stereotypes or serves extremist currents."

The city of Jena is thus clearly positioning itself against any form of anti-Semitism and extremist-motivated instrumentalization. The aim is to protect urban spaces and at the same time promote respectful coexistence. Furthermore, the city of Jena emphasizes that it will continue to provide spaces for culture, dialogue and encounters - but not for events that are clearly closely linked to political actions that could promote extremist or anti-Semitic ideas.