Caricature causing a stir in Cologne

Critics of a caricature in Cologne showing a Jew preparing to eat a Palestinian child, with a glass of blood to wash it down, are pressing for charges against the artist.

The critics want Walter Hermann to be prosecuted for inciting anti-Semitism, but the city prosecutor has refused so far.

The cartoon was visible as part of an enlarged photo of an anti-Israel demonstration. Until recently it was on display as part of a “Wailing Wall exhibit” in the center of town by Hermann, but it’s been removed from Cathedral Square.

Following a public uproar and charges filed against him in court, Hermann has distanced himself from his own work.

The Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger online newspaper reported that Hermann said he “didn’t agree with the message of the cartoon” and in fact dissociated himself from it “because it can be perceived as anti-Semitic.” The artist said he hoped it would arouse discussion about Israel’s policies.

Hermann suggested, however, that Israel itself was to blame for anti-Semitism and should “avoid actions that can revive deep-seated, anti-Jewish sentiment.” — jta