Today’s opening of the Winter Semester 2023–24 at the Akademie happens at the most inauspicious time imaginable. The inhumane und inexcusable terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas ten days ago has caused death and devastation, both physical and psychological; the Israeli blockade and bombardment of Gaza has already added thousands more victims. Injustice, terror, and violence threaten to spiral out of control.

Many Akademie members are personally connected to the tragedy unfolding in their homes. Our hearts go out to you in your anguish and despair, and we will do all we can to offer you the support you need and deserve.

Now more than ever, we must come together as a community and stand by one another with empathy and care, regardless of our origins and personal stories, in the spirit of humanism, justice, and equality that has animated our utopian project since its foundation by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said almost 25 years ago.

We were touched to see how Akademie members rallied around our central ideals of living, learning, and making music together in spite of all differences. It is no small feat that a conversation with voices from all parts of the Middle East and beyond continues here in empathy and respect for one another. There are far too few places in which such conversations are possible.

With your help and participation, the Barenboim-Said Akademie will continue to do its work. And working with this special group of talented and articulate individuals, we fervently believe, provides a glimmer of light in dark days. This, at least, we are looking very much forward to.

Stay safe, and have the best start of the new Academic Year possible under the circumstances!

Prof. Dr. Regula Rapp, Rector
Prof. Michael Barenboim, Dean
Dr. Carsten Siebert, Chancellor

October 16, 2023