Germany has built its new identity on turning its back on its past, but at what cost? Today, the far-right is topping the polls, police violence is soaring, and free speech is increasingly restricted. In this eye-opening episode of The Tea with Myriam François, we are joined by journalist and podcaster James Jackson to dive into Germany’s complex and troubling relationship with Israel, Zionism, and its own historical identity. From Angela Merkel’s declaration that Israel’s security is Germany’s 'Staatsräson', to the silencing of Palestinian solidarity and dissenting Jewish voices, we unpack the dangerous intersections of history, politics, and power. We explore: ⚡ Merkel’s 'Staatsräson', — when moral duty becomes state power ⚡ AfD surge — the far-right on the rise ⚡ Silenced voices — Jewish critics of Israel under pressure ⚡ BDS crackdown — civil society under siege ⚡ “Islamo-N*zi” — Manufacturing a new threat ⚡ The rush to remilitarisation ⚡ History weaponised — from the Holocaust to Gaza The German approach to confronting history was to declare, “We were all guilty as a nation” - a line that conveniently absolves individuals of the blame. “Ultimately it's a redemption narrative, a guilt pride - so you're proud of how evil your nation was and how you've accepted that.” 👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations: @UCT4kJCZyg26egbPAuJVj2kA 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #JamesJackson #Germany #Israel #Zionism #Gaza #AfD #EUPolitics #MiddleEastPolitics #BDS #Genocide #Holocaust #AngelaMerkel #FriedrichMerz #AliceWeidel #Facism AUDIO CREDITS Presenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam François Guest: James Jackson Senior Producer: Sara Farolfi Producer: Nadège Bizimungu Assistant Producer: Poppy Jacobs Research: Leena Khan Video Editor: Max Bubnov An MPWR Productions show. 🎥 Click to watch. Subscribe for new episodes. ❤️ Support independent journalism that tells hard truths. 00:00:00 Germany after October 7 – bans, repression, and silenced solidarity 00:01:17 “Never Again” weaponised – Holocaust memory and unconditional support for Israel 00:02:23 Introducing James Jackson – journalism, Berlin, and media backlash 00:03:20 Deutsche Welle, censorship, and Germany’s Nazi corporate past 00:05:21 Guilt, repression, and Germany’s unresolved history 00:08:16 Criminalising Palestine solidarity – slogans, bans, and police violence 00:11:48 Citizenship, deportation, and authoritarian drift 00:14:12 Antisemitism laws vs free speech – redefining dissent as extremism 00:16:27 Germany’s “reason of state” – Zionism over constitutional democracy 00:19:49 Repression at home, impunity abroad – breaking international law 00:22:01 Rise of the AfD – far-right normalisation and elite failure 00:30:17 Policing dissent and echoes of Weimar Germany 00:35:13 Germany’s genocidal legacy and the danger ahead 00:42:11 MAGA, AfD, and the international far-right network 00:48:01 Europe’s trajectory – repression, rearmament, and democratic collapse 01:00:17 Migration, scapegoating, and the politics of fear 'The Thumbnail image is AI generated' Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law. This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing. The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.