After the brawl in the hotel lobby: Gil Ofrim’s case is unbelievable

In the Leipzig case regarding the Jewish composer Gil Ofrim, the representations diverge. The singer and actor accused an employee of the “Westin” hotel of committing an anti-Semitic attack in relation to a necklace (“Pack Your Star”), a symbol of her faith. The man accused Ofrim of defamation, to which he responded with a criminal complaint, including false suspicions.

[Wenn Sie die wichtigsten News aus Berlin, Deutschland und der Welt live auf Ihr Handy haben wollen, empfehlen wir Ihnen unsere runderneuerte App, die Sie hier für Apple- und Android-Geräte herunterladen können.]

Published camera images do not reveal that Ofreem was wearing the necklace. It is said that there was tension and debate about computer failure. The hotel has acquitted its employees after an internal inquiry. The Public Prosecutor’s Office investigation continues. Ofarim complains that he can’t believe it. He is made fun of on the net.

An opaque situation that makes political thought difficult. At first, the incident came across as evidence of the hatred of the Jews, which unfortunately continues to this day in dark Germany and which may get worse. Now it could also have been an exchange of blows between two men, who hold onto each other in different ways; Unfortunately, anti-Semitism cannot be completely ruled out.

It should be surprising how these uncertainties are equated to public statements in terms of the importance of the discussion about anti-Semitism, events aside from its discussion. Because either the “Ofarim case” is an example of circumstances worthy of criticism or it is not. If you have any doubts about the process, it is neither charge nor discharge. The fact that Ofarim has become a target online may also have something to do with his emotional video presence.

Anyone who exposes themselves in social networks creates a distinctive height of decline. Small accidents or even just being unsteady trigger specific reactions that can turn violent. However, these are also seen regularly in cases in which anti-Semitism plays no part.

Crime is unlikely to happen in a hotel lobby

Criminal assessment also remains difficult. “Anti-Semitic” is highly reprehensible as such, but is not a criminal offense. According to Ofarim, it is unlikely that he was criminally insulted or subjected to coercion or treason in the “Westin”.

It remains to be seen what the outcome of the proceedings will be in the case of defamation or false suspicion, but it will not contribute much to the discussion of anti-Semitism or how to combat it. The “Ofarim case” is so far unreliable.