Shai Hoffmann Calls for German 'Staatsräson 2.0' on Middle East Policy
In 2025, antisemitic crimes in Germany reached a record high of over 6,500 cases. Activist and social entrepreneur Shai Hoffmann, whose parents emigrated from Israel to Germany in 1970, advocates for a new German Middle East policy that equally protects Jews and Palestinians. He regularly travels to Israel and the illegally occupied West Bank. Hoffmann, along with over 100 Middle East experts, has been calling for a renegotiation of the term 'Staatsräson'—first used by Chancellor Angela Merkel in a 2008 speech before the Knesset—since October 2024. He argues that Germany's foreign policy must be realigned regarding the Israeli government's far-right settlement policies.
Key facts
- Antisemitic crimes in Germany reached over 6,500 cases in 2025, a record high.
- Shai Hoffmann demands a new German Middle East policy protecting both Jews and Palestinians.
- Hoffmann's parents emigrated from Israel to Germany in 1970.
- He travels to Israel and the West Bank multiple times a year.
- The term 'Staatsräson' was introduced by Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2008.
- Over 100 Middle East experts supported renegotiating 'Staatsräson' since October 2024.
- Hoffmann criticizes the Israeli government's far-right settlement policies.
- He is an activist, social entrepreneur, and podcaster.
Entities
Artists
- Shai Hoffmann
Locations
- Germany
- Israel
- West Bank