Friedman, speaking at a commemoration for Jewish artists persecuted and murdered during the Nazi regime, criticized the insufficient actions taken since the war to address this dark chapter in history. He described the Bayreuth Festival’s site as a ‘Nazi history’ and labeled Wagner a ‘terrible antisemite.’ Despite acknowledging improvements in the festival’s remembrance culture under director Katharina Wagner, Friedman urged for a more proactive stance against the resurgence of antisemitism. This address was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on July 27, 2026.