In the Bundestag!

In Berlin, which I have been visiting for several days with a media and human rights delegation, the visitor to this sprawling city on the fringes of history sees the remnants of the past, etched in a memory burdened by the genocide perpetrated against the Jews by the Nazis during World War II. Buildings, streets, and walls still bear witness to an era of history, an era in which the plates of geography and demography shifted, and on its fringes, laws were sewn to criminalize anyone who criticizes Israel, even as it violates, confiscates, arrests, tortures, kills, and exterminates tens of thousands of Palestinians—victims of victims.

Despite the high quality of German manufacturing—where the German nail emerges with grace and ends with elegance—German politics bears no resemblance to its industry. It has chosen to remain in the gray area, incapable of upholding the values of the Republic, foremost among them the application of international law at all times and in all places without double standards, so as not to allow the recurrence of crimes against humanity.

There is a gap between the German government and the German people, whose opinion polls indicate their rejection of the government's policies that tolerate Israel's crimes against the Palestinian people. Efforts are underway in the Bundestag to pressure the government to recognize the State of Palestine and to terminate the trade partnership agreement that obligates Israel to adhere to democratic principles and human rights. These polls are not mere numbers; they reflect a movement stirring within the halls of parliament.

The river of freedom will not run dry, and international efforts to alleviate the suffering and wounds of the victims will not cease. A glimmer of light shines through the fire and smoke, for the status quo is unsustainable.