Berlin Stories | 6-20 November

Poetry Night

One World Poetry Night is back on 9 November with their show titled “WE ARE HERE”. The event series is hosted by poet and writer Lahya Aukongo and gives local spoken word a platform. This time OWPN features performances by Nicky Chue, Grace Matu, Kübra Varol, and Louis. Please come tested and wear a mask inside if possible.

Protest Camp and Vigil

On 6 November a new Occupy against Occupation protest camp in front of Berlin's Parliament starts, just one day before the parliament votes on the IHRA resolution. Join in to speak out against the resolution and the repression of the Palestine solidarity movement in Germany, and to demand a ban on military exports to Israel. Palestine Speaks has also announced a vigil to be held at Oranienplatz on 9 November at 16:00. Follow their Instagram for more updates on protests.

German Parliament votes on IHRA

The German Bundestag's decision to pass a resolution in favour of the IHRA definition of antisemitism has drawn strong criticism from various cultural and human rights groups around the world. The contested IHRA text equates criticism of Israel with antisemitism. If the German government's proposals become law it means voices, including Jewish voices, speaking out in solidarity with Palestinian rights or calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza could be further criminalised, placed under state surveillance, or have their citizenship revoked. There are rising concerns among non-profit and cultural organizations that taking a critical stance on Israeli policies could jeopardize their funding, while human rights organizations like Amnesty have expressed worry about the resolution endangering basic human rights. Benjamin Netanyahu's Israeli government is facing genocide charges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the last twelve months, with over 100,000 injured and many more displaced or living under the threat of daily bombardment and acute death. "Malnutrition and disease in the Gaza Strip creates a deadly cycle that threatens over 1.1 million children" - Unicef.

Unhoused Solidarity Action and Soli Fleamarket

With winter around the corner, Refuge Worldwide is collecting warm clothes for Berliner Stadtmission and supporting unhoused people in Berlin. Drop off your clothes (in good condition) at Oona Bar on 9 November between 14:00 and 20:00 and stay for music and drinks. On the following Sunday 17 November, Tennis Bar and Dane Joe are hosting a benefit flea market. From 12:00 you can shop for clothes, art, and local band merch. All proceeds from the sales will be donated to Clean Shelter providing shelter and sanitary solutions in Gaza.

Soli Compilation Launch

“Soli Tunes” is a multi-genre solidarity compilation exclusive to Bandcamp. Over 40 artists from more than 14 countries joined in to release exclusive and re-edited collaborations. Among the featured musicians are Khadija, Nour Palestina, 6zm, and many others. Their work will be available on Bandcamp from November to December 2024. All Bandcamp proceeds will be donated to a Palestine-based community studio for composers and recording.

H48 Soli events and court hearing

H48 has announced a series of events ahead of their eviction hearing on 22 November. H48 is a housing project with more than 60 members and an important community and political space in Neukölln. For months, inhabitants of the building have been fighting against eviction. Come by to support H48 by attending their Soli-events like the Lubunya for H48 concert on 9 November, another Sip & Paint session on 11 November and a Queer Karaoke and Speed Dating event on 13 November.

Film Festivals

Until 10 November you can catch short film screenings of the 40th edition of Berlin's interfilm Festival. The international short film festival is taking place in cinemas across the city and features a wide range of different perspectives. interfilm is followed by Afrikamera, which highlights current cinema from Africa with a special focus “BELIEVE”. The selection of more than 30 feature, shorts and documentary films by African filmmakers will be screened from 12 to 17 November.

Concert

XJAZZ! presents the Nø Førmat Label night with live music by pianist and composer Koki Nakano, soul and RnB artist Wayne Snow, and percussionist and vocalist Natascha Rogers. The joint concert takes place on 13 November from 19:00 at Emmauskriche in Kreuzberg.

---

Header photo courtesy of Afrikamera.