Statement
About ID Festival
ID Festival was founded as a platform to showcase the diverse voices of Israeli artists living in Germany, with a focus on artistic expression over political positions. We curate content that artistically explores the profound historical connection between Israel and Germany. Through our exhibitions and performances, we aim to encourage our visitors to reflect on life, its challenges, beauties, and complexities.
The safety and well-being of our festival attendees and participants are our top priorities. This is particularly crucial in light of the current situation in Israel-Gaza and the recent anti-Israeli and antisemitic violence in Berlin, as well as disruptions of cultural events in protest against the unnecessary killing of innocent civilians in Gaza. Our commitment is to provide a safer space and a positive experience for all visitors and performing artists.
Israel is currently the focus of global political discourse. As an Israel-Deutschland Festival, our program highlights the connection between Israel and Germany. However, it is important to emphasize that this does not mean we support or endorse the actions of the Israeli government. We firmly believe in the fundamental rights of all people to peace and security, freedom, and equality. Our hope is for lasting peace and a resolution to the conflict between the Israeli and Palestinian people.
Even before the current escalation, and now more than ever, organizing an event that puts Israeli and Jewish people in the spotlight has been and remains a significant challenge. We are aware that our events can be politically read and interpreted in various ways. While our primary focus is on artistic expression in all its complexity, our program does not exist in a vacuum. As organizers, we recognize our responsibility to enable participants and visitors to freely engage in political discourse, especially in the current context. However, such engagement must adhere to clear standards of respect, which we are committed to safeguard.
Prompting Dialogues
Given the current situation affecting many people, the political context is inevitable. However, as a platform, we refrain from offering solutions to political issues or advocating for specific actions. Instead, we advocate for dialogue and reflection. Our desire and goal are to create a space for respectful and non-violent dialogue and exchange during the festival. We condemn any form of verbal and physical violence. To ensure the safety of all participants, we collaborate with additional security and awareness personnel throughout the festival.
Like most cultural initiatives, we rely on government funding and receive financial support, including from the Commissioner for Culture and Media of the Federal Government and the Israeli Embassy. As a civil society festival for artistic dialogue, we place great value on our editorial independence and advocate for the plurality of voices as well as freedom of expression and artistic freedom within the framework of applicable laws.
Code of Conduct
The event is taking place under heightened security measures. Please avoid bringing large bags or backpacks. Small bags are permitted. An awareness team will be present at the venue at all times. We encourage you to reach out to the team with any questions or concerns. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of aggressive behavior and kindly ask you to inform us of any such incidents if they occur. During the festival, we ask you to carefully read and adhere to the following guidelines:
- ID Festival presents diverse voices of Israeli artists living in Germany.
- The safety and well-being of our festival attendees and artists are our top priorities.
- As organizers, we are aware of our responsibility to enable participants and visitors to engage freely in political discourse, particularly in the current context. However, such engagement must adhere to clear standards of respect, which we are committed to safeguard.
- Visiting ID Festival is an encounter and interaction among people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The use of derogatory language, any form of harassment, racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, sexism, transphobia, ableism, queerphobia, classism, as well as other forms of discrimination and demeaning behavior, will not be tolerated at ID Festival, nor will incitement to hatred or violence, bullying, or negative stereotyping of individuals or groups.
ID Festival warmly welcomes you and wishes you an enjoyable time!
Team &Contact
Ohad Ben-Ari
Founder & Director
Juan Harcha
Production
Esther-Marie Merz
Production
Sarah Rosenau
Press and PR
Anastasia Shevchenko
Social Media & Content Management
Luca Bogoni
Graphic Design and Concept
Contact & Legal Info
ID Festival gemeinnützige UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Trade register Amtsgericht Charlottenburg
Register number HRB 186931
ID Festival is funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media
E-Mail:
Website: www.idfestival.de
Facebook: www.facebook.com/idfestivalberlin
Instagram: www.instagram.com/idfestivalberlin