Ep. 32: Political Analysis & Debate: Gil Shohat (Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, Tel Aviv)

Guest: Gil Shohat, M.A. – Director, Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Israel Hosts: Mert & Efe Bio: Gil Shohat (b. 1988, Bonn) is a historian and political scientist specializing in modern Israeli and German political culture. He studied in Munich, Exeter, and Berlin and has researched anti-colonial activism and Marxist historiography in Britain. Since 2021, he has directed the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung in Israel, contributing insights on politics, education, and civil society. Shohat regularly publishes and speaks on German memory culture, antisemitism, racism, and Israel-Palestine dynamics in Germany. In this Episode: Recorded June 20, 2025, Efe and Mert discuss with Shohat the political climate in Israel, the ongoing impact of October 7, and regional dynamics including tensions with Iran. Shohat reflects on Israeli society, public opinion, and the trajectory of support for the Gaza war, challenges facing Arab Israelis, and shifts in the West Bank, the military, intelligence services, and the Knesset. He also addresses international responses, including the ICJ’s acceptance of South Africa’s genocide case and human rights reports, offering nuanced reflections. Turning to Germany, Shohat analyzes public and political reactions, debates over pro-Palestinian demonstrations, and tensions between free speech and antisemitism, including the current debate about definitions of antisemitism. The episode closes with Shohat’s perspective on Germany’s engagement with Israel and Palestine and the role of education in promoting informed understanding. This episode was recorded July 14, 2025. Links: Gil Shohat, M.A.: https://www.rosalux.de/profil/es_detail/3IPF6THMKG/ma-gil-shohat?cHash=71e51c08171ebd2fa1c7dc735b09d793 Comparison of the three main definitions of antisemitism (IHRA, JDA, Nexus): https://thirdnarrative.org/three-definitions-of-antisemitism-a-comparison/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Disclaimer: Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast team. Technical legal terms are explained in Episode 36 with Prof. Claus Kreß; contested histories are addressed by Prof. Gudrun Krämer in Episode 21.