Iris Berben awarded German Cultural Policy Prize for anti-antisemitism efforts

Iris Berben German Cultural Policy Prize antisemitism Igor Levit human dignity

Actress Iris Berben has been awarded the 2026 German Cultural Policy Prize by the German Cultural Council. The award recognizes her commitment to combating antisemitism, racism, and right-wing extremism through public discussions, school visits, and readings.

During the ceremony at the State Library, pianist Igor Levit delivered an emotional laudatory speech, praising Berben for her advocacy. Levit emphasized the importance of individuals standing up for Jewish life in Germany, noting that it is not a given and requires active defense even from those not directly affected.

Berben stated that her goal is to convince as many people as possible to stand against antisemitism, framing the issue as one of human dignity and historical responsibility rather than simply being right. The event was also attended by the Israeli Ambassador, Ron Prosor.

Entities

Deutscher Kulturrat · German Cultural Council · Germany · Igor Levit · Iris Berben · Ron Prosor

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Pianist Igor Levit delivered the laudatio for Berben and expressed gratitude for her engagement. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.zeit.de · www.nn.de
[● 3 SOURCES] The award recognizes Berben's commitment against antisemitism, racism, and right-wing extremism. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.zeit.de · www.nn.de
[● 3 SOURCES] The German Cultural Council awarded Iris Berben the 2026 German Cultural Policy Prize. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.zeit.de · www.nn.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Berben showed solidarity with the Jewish people following the Hamas attack on Israel. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.zeit.de · www.nn.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Igor Levit stated that Jewish life in Germany is not a given and must be constantly defended. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.zeit.de · www.nn.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Iris Berben advocates for convincing as many people as possible to oppose antisemitism. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.zeit.de · www.nn.de

Sources

Iris Berben: Antisemitismus entschieden entgegentreten [www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de]

4 days ago

Kulturpolitikpreis: Iris Berben: Antisemitismus entschieden entgegentreten [www.zeit.de]

4 days ago

Iris Berben: Antisemitismus entschieden entgegentreten [www.nn.de]

4 days ago

Iris Berben: Antisemitismus entschieden entgegentreten [www.dk-online.de]

4 days ago

Sie hat den Kulturpolitikpreis erhalten [www.gala.de]

4 days ago

Iris Berben: Antisemitismus entschieden entgegentreten [www.noz.de]

4 days ago