In Germany, a TV presenter has been suspended from her job at a state network for promoting a boycott of Israeli products and labeling the situation in Gaza Strip as “genocide” on social media accounts. Helen Fares, born in Leipzig to Syrian parents, hosted a discussion program and was fired by the state channel SWR due to her “serial expression of extreme political positions.”
Fares’ actions have caused controversy among pro-Palestinian circles in Europe and the U.S., with some calling it anti-Semitic. However, Fares defended herself by claiming she is not anti-Semitic and referring to South Africa’s petition against Israel for genocide. Fares defined herself as a “Syrian in Germany” in her bio.
The use of the No Thanks app and Fares’ promotion of the boycott of Israeli products drew criticism in Germany, with some comparing it to Nazi-era slogans against Jews. Despite the controversy, the app remains available for download. The situation has sparked a debate on freedom of expression and journalistic neutrality in Germany.
