Alfred Wittstock Livres

The relations between the two states and societies have been rather complex during both the previous half-century and beyond. Embedded in changing political land scapes, the ramifications reach back to the early 19th century. Yet the uniqueness of the relationship network only shows in light of the wholesale murder of Jews in Europe, the creation of the State of Israel, the discussions surround ing the initiation of diplomatic relations and their arrangement until the present day. The development and intensity of the relations with regard to civil society and politics are quite astonishing when considering the beginnings. Approaches, changes and the in part greatly-varying perceptions of the other side can be observed over the course of 50 years of history, and these give rise to questions concerning the current state of the relationship and its future design.

Israel’s global image is strongly if not entirely characterized by perceptions of the Middle East conflict. While the state does indeed play a central role in this multidimensional conflict, it is all too easily forgotten that Israel also has diverse political, economic and cultural ties with a broad range of the world’s states and regions. There is a considerable contrast between Israel’s significance in international politics, economy and culture on the one hand, and the public image shaped by media coverage on the other, which is emotionally charged and largely reduced to the Middle East conflict. This contrast necessitates an analysis both of Israel’s relationships with the states and regions of the world as well as of those states’ and regions’ own stances towards, and perceptions of, Israel. The articles in this book thus highlight the complex networks of relationships and interests involving Israel in international politics.

Politik und Erinnern in Deutschland und Israel, der Wandel und die verschiedenen Auswirkungen dieser Erinnerungsarbeit in beiden Gesellschaften, eingebettet in den jeweiligen historischen Kontext weisen in den Beiträgen des vorliegenden Bandes auf die enge Beziehung der beiden Staaten. Damit wird ebenso auf die Komplexität des Nahostkonfliktes verwiesen, wenn Fragen nach der Rolle der drei monotheistischen Religionen aufgegriffen und diskutiert werden. Berührt werden davon in ihren Konfliktlinien sowohl die israelische und die palästinensische Gesellschaft. Die damit verbundenen gesellschaftspolitischen Auswirkungen bleiben unabgeschlossen, solange es zwischen beiden Konfliktparteien zu keinen Friedensregelungen gekommen ist. Die Hindernisse und verschiedenen Prämissen hierbei werden daher auch in diesem Band thematisiert.