German and Austrian cultural leaders are right to insist upon freedom of expression, but they should also actively extend their plea to embrace Palestinians.

Some 377 scholars and artists from more than 30 countries have signed a pledge opposing litmus tests and political interference by institutions, municipalities, and public officials in Germany aimed at silencing advocates for Palestinian rights under international law. The campaign began due to official efforts to rebuke writers Achille Mbembe and Kamila Shamsie for their advocacy.

Jewish scholars defend Achille Mbembe, one of the most important intellectuals in Africa, from attack by Germany’s antisemitism commissioner, Felix Klein. Klein, they say, is seeking to curb free speech about Israel and “is clearly obsessed by the
BDS campaign.”

Scholar Achille Mbembe was booked to speak at a German festival, but he has been smeared as antisemitic for likening Israel to apartheid South Africa and supporting the boycott campaign. Israel lobbyists are also targeting the festival director, Stefanie Carp.