Iris Berben calls for decisive action against anti-Semitism

Actress Iris Berben calls for people to resolutely confront anti-Semitism in their own environment. “You can try, and I do that in my life, to convince as many people as possible,” she told the German Press Agency on the sidelines of the German Cultural Policy Prize award ceremony. “It’s not about being right, it’s about human dignity, it’s about ways of life, it’s about our history and it’s about not succumbing to a backlash.”

With the German Cultural Policy Prize 2026, the German Cultural Council recognizes Berben's ("The Nickname", "Triangle of Sadness") efforts against anti-Semitism, racism and right-wing extremism. Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor, among others, attended the award ceremony in the State Library on Thursday evening. The Jewish star pianist Igor Levit gave the eulogy and played the piano.

“What I need are people like you.”

Levit gave a very personal and emotional hymn of praise to Berben and thanked her for her commitment. “What I need are people like you,” he said. «People who understand that Jewish life in Germany - spoiler alert - is not a given. That Jewish life in Germany is renegotiated and decided every day. And that we need people who stand up for it, even and especially if they are not affected.”

After Hamas' attack on Israel, Berben did not remain silent, but showed solidarity with the Jewish people. «I, dear Iris, will never forget this. And I claim, and I know, very, very many Jews in Germany will not forget that."

Visibly moved by Levit's speech, Berben hugged him tightly and then accepted the award. The award really surprised her and she was really happy, said the 76-year-old. She then read a passage from the book “History of a German” by Sebastian Haffner.

Berben on the anti-Semitism debate in Berlin

“One wishes that one did not have to be honored for something that will hopefully at some point finally become a matter of course, namely that Jewish life is possible again here, is lived, and is perceived as an enrichment,” said the actress shortly before the award ceremony.

The current anti-Semitism debate in connection with the election victory of the Left in Berlin is worrying the self-confessed SPD supporter. She considers herself a left-liberal person and there are certainly many points that connect her with the left. But the attitude of the left-wing scene towards Israel is like a thorn in their chest. “It’s a headache and a stomach ache that’s just starting to arise.”