The publicly funded Volxkino Association wanted to show a film about the band Kneecap as part of the Wiedner Kultur summer – a group that is expressly positive about terrorist organizations like Hamas. City councilor Caroline Hungerländer and Johannes Pasquali, district party chairman of the Wieden People’s Party, practice sharp criticism.
“It is completely unacceptable that a tax money financed by terrorist and anti-Semitism offers a stage. In Vienna there is no place for Hamas understanders and Israel haters-especially not at the expense of the general public. Because never again means again!”
The planned film evening in the Alois Drasch-Park, which was only canceled after critical demand by the Kronen Zeitung at the last minute, is an “alarming example of a lack of problem awareness in dealing with the current situation of Jews-in Vienna, in Europe and worldwide,” continues hunger countries. “The fact that only public pressure was necessary to bring about this decision shows how important a clear political compass is against any form of anti -Semitism. A critical examination of art and political content is of course legitimate – but it needs clear limits where extremist violence begins.”
Johannes Pasquali, district party chairman of the People’s Party Wieden, adds: “Especially at the district level, we have to be vigilant when extremist messages are spread under the guise of art and culture. Anyone who eliminates public responsibility and treats authorized criticism as a minor matter in the future may no longer hope for blind progress.”
The band Kneecap had opened openly with slogans like “Hoch Hamas! Hoch Hisbollah!” positioned. “The fact that an association like the Volxkino still held on to the film, although concerns were clearly communicated, is a cultural -political failure that has to stimulate thought – not only in support,” said Hunger countries and pasquali.
“Anti -Semitism is a real danger in Vienna. It is our common responsibility to ensure that no public funds are used. It needs a clear attitude, consistency – and the willingness to name terrorist glorification as what it is: not an artistic discourse, but a red line. If you want tax money, you simply do not understand the seriousness of the situation,” says both.
OTS original text press release with the exclusive in terms of content of the sender – www.ots.at | VPR