Publicist Michel Friedman was due to speak about democracy at the Uwe Johnson House of Literature in Klütz in October 2026 to mark the 120th birthday of the Jewish political theorist Hannah Arendt.
However, the Jewish publicist has now had his invite revoked.
The reason given was the fear of right-wing protests but he himself sees the incident as a dangerous signal, as he told Euronews.
What happened?
The 69-year-old Friedman was invited to the event to read from his recently published book “Mensch! Declaration of Love by a Desperate Democrat” and to talk about democracy.
According to Friedman himself, he was delighted to receive the invitation.
“Precisely because the region is strongly characterised by the (far-right party) AfD and I wanted to support the courage of this invitation,” he told Euronews.
But then the invitation was cancelled.
House of Literature director Oliver Hintz explained that Mayor Jürgen Mevius had told him on the phone that a municipal committee had rejected the appearance due to concerns about right-wing troublemakers or Hamas sympathisers.
Hintz then withdrew the invitation.
Friedman himself doubts the reasoning that this was primarily about security concerns. According to him, it seems unrealistic.
“How can anyone know today what will happen in October 2026?” he asked.
In addition, it is the task of the state to protect such events, regardless of whether they are threatened by right-wing extremists, left-wing extremists or Islamists. Cancellation should only be considered as a last resort, said Friedman.
“To argue with such warnings a year in advance is a disaster,” he said.
Such an approach would intimidate artists as well as all people in general who want to express their opinions.
Debate about costs
According to the German Press Agency, Mevius contradicted this statement. He again cited financial reasons for the decision. Friedman’s fee was significantly higher than the usual rates. In addition, the mayor is said to have said that Friedman’s appearance did not suit Klütz and that there was a fear of high costs for the event. According to the FAZ newspaper, this meant that Friedman would have to come to the event with a transport service and stay overnight in a hotel in Hamburg.
The director of the House of Literature, Oliver Hintz, clarified to the NDR public broadcaster that the costs would have been covered by sponsors. The association also confirmed that the city had not incurred any expenses.
Friedman said he was irritated by the discussion about allegedly high costs.
“This is reminiscent of stereotypical attributions: the greedy Jew who demands too much. Yes, I’m flying to Hamburg and travelling on by car, partly for safety reasons. But the costs are borne by the sponsoring organisation, not the city. The mayor is neither responsible nor legitimised to decide on my participation.”
Action in Klütz a “dangerous signal”
Michel Friedman sees what happened around the event in Klütz as a dangerous signal.
“A mayor who acts democratically should say: “I will not be intimidated. Whether I like Mr Friedman or not, I will make sure that all safety measures are taken.” That would give people courage and confidence.”
Whether for financial reasons or security concerns, the bitter aftertaste of Michel Friedman’s disinvitation to Klütz remains.
Despite the debate, he himself signalled to Euronews that he was still willing to make further appearances and emphasised his commitment to democracy.
“I say yes to events when I see the courage that is needed, especially in regions with a strong AfD influence. That’s exactly why I wanted to speak in Klütz. There are people there who stand up for democracy and freedom despite intimidation. In the end, we all have to network, just as the anti-democrats are networked.”
At the same time, he made it clear that he would not be deterred by hostility.
“I go wherever I want in Germany. Nobody should tell me whether I am wanted or not. And no one in this country should have to be afraid, regardless of whether they are Jewish, Muslim, Christian, black, gay or a woman.”
Political reactions
Politicians have also been reacting to the incident.
The German government’s anti-Semitism commissioner, Felix Klein, criticised Friedman’s disinvitation in an interview with the German Press Agency.
He called it “a direct attack on the constitutionally protected freedom of opinion in our country and an indictment of the community there.”
Meanwhile, the Green politician and Vice President of the Bundestag, Omid Nouripour, wrote on X:
“Hannah Arendt teaches us that democracy only lives if we defend it. The disinvitation of Michel Friedman is scandalous and shows how dangerous it becomes when not only extremists weaken our structures, but also when we allow ourselves to be intimidated by them.”
Klütz mayor defends himself
In the midst of the debate, which is now also taking place at federal level, Mayor Jürgen Mevius once again spoke out in his own defence.
He emphasised: “On behalf of the town council, I firmly reject the accusations levelled against us. There were, are and will be no anti-Semitic statements in the city council. For us, freedom, democracy and tolerance are a matter of course.”
Opposition to the decision is no longer limited to official statements or comments on social media.
A demonstration against Michel Friedman’s disinvitation has been announced for next Monday in the municipality, as announced by the district of Nordwestmecklenburg.
The organisers want to set an example for freedom of expression and against caving in to right-wing extremist threats.