Philosopher Gisèle Berkman Criticizes Hagai Levi's 'Etty' Series on Arte

Philosopher Gisèle Berkman published a critical opinion piece in Le Monde, denouncing Israeli director Hagai Levi's adaptation of Etty Hillesum's diary for the Arte series 'Etty'. Berkman argues that Levi's attempt to give the Holocaust a 'universal resonance' after the shock of October 7, 2023, risks stripping the Shoah of its singularity. The series, which aired on Arte, recontextualizes Hillesum's writings in light of recent events, a move Berkman deems problematic. She contends that such universalization undermines the historical specificity and moral weight of the Holocaust. The critique appears in Le Monde's ideas section, reflecting ongoing debates about Holocaust representation in contemporary media.