Ranjit Hoskote, a Writer, has Resigned from a German art Festival Panel Following Backlash over an 'anti-Semitic' Letter

Hoskote resigns amid allegations of 'BDS sympathies and anti-Semitism.' 2019 petition signature cited. Stay informed on this unfolding controversy.

on Nov 16, 2023

Ranjit Hoskote, a Writer, has Resigned from a German Art Festival Panel Following Backlash over an 'Anti-Semitic' Letter | Frontlist

Hoskote resigned after an article in Germany's daily Süddeutsche Zeitung accused him of 'BDS sympathies and anti-Semitism,' citing his signature on a 2019 BDS petition opposing a far-right event on 'Zionism and Hindutva.'

Hoskote resigned in response to an article published on November 9 in Germany's daily Süddeutsche Zeitung accusing him of "BDS sympathies and anti-Semitism," based on his signature on a 2019 BDS petition against a far-right event on "Zionism and Hindutva," co-hosted by the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai.

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement aims to put an end to international support for Israel's persecution of Palestinians.

"These last few days have been among the most deeply distressing days of my life," Hoskote wrote in his resignation letter to Andreas Hoffmann, managing director of Documenta. The heinous charge of anti-Semitism has been levelled against me in Germany, a country I love and admire, and to whose cultural institutions and intellectual life I have given for decades as a writer, curator, and cultural theorist." According to Hoskote, persons who have "no acquaintance with my life and work have judged, denounced, and stigmatised me on the basis of a single signature on a petition, taken out of its context and not approached in the spirit of reason."

“I have been written about with harshness and condescension, and none of my detractors has thought it important to ask me for my point of view. I feel, strongly, that I have been subjected to the proceedings of a kangaroo court,” Hoskote said.

He was urged to "accept a sweeping and untenable definition of anti-Semitism" that conflates the Jewish people and the Israeli state.

“Let us now consider the so-called evidence that has been presented against me: my signature on a petition circulated by the Indian Cultural Forum and dated August 26, 2019, protesting a discussion hosted by the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai, on “Leaders’ Idea of Nations: Zionism and Hindutva.” "The invitation to this event featured a portrait of Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism, alongside a portrait of V D Savarkar, the founder of Hindutva."

"I signed this petition because the event clearly posited an equivalence between Herzl and Savarkar and was intended to devastate."

"I signed this petition because the event clearly posited an equivalence between Herzl and Savarkar and was intended to develop intellectual respectability for an alliance between Zionism and Hindutva."

"I found this highly ironic, since Savarkar was known to be an admirer of Hitler and openly expressed his admiration for Nazi ideology and methods, which he proposed as a model for a Hindu-majoritarian India to follow, especially with regard to the treatment of the religious minorities," Hoskote said in his letter of resignation.

"I have dedicated my life to opposing authoritarian forces and discriminatory ideologies," the poet and art critic remarked.

"I would like to thank Ranjit Hoskote for his willingness to stand by us in these difficult times," Hoffmann said in a statement. "I believe that his decision to resign is logical and respectable." We must continually distinguish ourselves from any manifestations of anti-Semitism."