Panel “Critical thinking in public space after October 7”

Registration for the panel discussion is via the event page of Salzburger Nachrichten. More information can be found HERE.

We need to talk! The Israel–Gaza conflict is a complex issue that has concerned the international community for decades and reached a new level of escalation almost two years ago.

It has become difficult to have conversations about the Middle East conflict. Many have taken sides and ignore the suffering of others. Others prefer to remain silent—out of uncertainty or because the issue is so complex. Together with the Landestheater Salzburg, Salzburger Nachrichten (SN) wants to create a space where differentiated perspectives and critical thinking are possible in the public sphere. The occasion is the play The Gates of Gaza by Amir Tibon.

Speaking at the event:

Esther Dischereit is a German-Jewish writer who spoke on Deutschlandfunk about Husam Maarouf from Gaza and his text ‘Hunger’.

Vladimir Vertlib, an author living in Salzburg with Russian-Jewish heritage. 

Nadine Sayegh, born in Beirut and raised in Vienna, has written down her father’s story in the book Oranges from Jaffa. She comes from a family of displaced Palestinians.

Tarik Mete, a city council member for the SPÖ in Salzburg, will speak here not in his political role but as someone who takes the pulse of Salzburg’s Muslim community and knows what concerns them.

Hanan Badr, professor at the University of Salzburg specializing in inequality research, analyzes how media shape the different perceptions of the conflict.

Nuran David Calis, director of drama at the Landestheater Salzburg, where starting October 3rd The Gates of Gaza, a play by Israeli author Amir Tibon, will be staged.

In our panel discussion, we will engage with experts and representatives of various organizations and parties to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of the conflict. We will explore topics such as the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Israel’s security, the role of the international community, and possible solutions. We will also ask what cultural institutions can contribute to raising awareness in urban society of the different positions and perspectives. Who speaks for whom? And what are the opportunities and limitations of such a debate?

Moderation: Gudrun Doringer, head of foreign affairs at Salzburger Nachrichten

Date: September 29, 2025 
Venue: SN hall (Karolingerstr. 40, Salzburg)
Duration: ca. 90 Min.

Registration for the panel discussion is available via the event page of the Salzburger Nachrichten. More information can be found HERE.