Philipp Peyman Engel: Integrity Is Not an Accessory

Philipp Peyman Engel is editor-in-chief of the Jüdische Allgemeine and known for speaking plainly – especially when it comes to antisemitism or German debate culture. But anyone expecting polemics will be disappointed. As this interview makes clear, for Engel, integrity is not a posture but a responsibility.

Christian Bracht Mr. Engel, what does “integrity” mean to you – beyond political affiliations?

Philipp Peyman Engel As a journalist, integrity means representing reality. Our job is radical honesty, especially when it’s uncomfortable. We’re not here to please, but to show what is. Of course, it’s always only an approximation of the truth, but we mustn’t be distracted by sympathies, trends or fear of backlash. That’s what sets us apart from activists.

CB Are there limits to integrity?

PPE Yes, when other values carry greater weight. For example, the protection of life or sources. Then it becomes a moral balancing act. I’ve withheld stories before because the risk to others was too great.

CB How important is integrity in times of multiple crises?

PPE Essential. The temptation to conform is greater today than ever before. But it is precisely creative people who need to carve out space – for reflection, for disruption, for clarity. Only from that can the essence of what defines us as journalists, artists or designers truly emerge. We live in an incredibly fast-paced world. The lure of functioning without creativity is strong. Yet for a journalist, being creative, staying creative and doing everything possible to preserve that creativity is essential. That alone is already a central task. I believe that, especially as a journalist – and particularly as an editor-in-chief – it’s easy to become buried in tasks that need to be done, but which have little to do with creativity. That’s why it’s important to create space. Whether it’s something seemingly trivial like sleeping in, going for a jog, or simply being unreachable for a while. The daily grind, the routine work, can always be done later. Our core responsibility as creative professionals is to preserve that creativity. Because that, in truth, is what defines us – even in the professional realm of journalism. The routine must be taken care of, no doubt. But if we’re honest, what truly shapes our journalistic DNA is what can only be created through creativity.

CB Can integrity inspire innovation?

PPE It’s actually a prerequisite. Innovation without integrity can be destructive – as clearly demonstrated by the example of artificial intelligence. If we focus solely on technical possibilities without addressing fundamental ethical questions, we’re heading for a dead end. Integrity gives innovation direction. I firmly believe it should be our guiding principle. We must always keep the moral and ethical dimension in view – as the foundation of our actions. To consider one without the other is far too short-sighted.

CB Do you distinguish between personal conviction and public integrity?

PPE Not really. Perhaps I’m just straightforward, maybe even a bit simplistic, if you like. I say what I think – both in private and in public. Maybe that’s the Ruhr area in me. It’s part of my journalistic DNA: to write and say things as they are, without looking to the left or right.

Politically, I’m consistent. Perhaps a bit more empathetic on a personal level. But when it comes to public statements, I’m direct.

CB What advice would you give young journalists who want to take a stand but fear social media backlash?

PPE There isn’t one single answer. Some people can handle it, others can’t – and that’s perfectly okay. What matters is: stay true to yourselves. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. If you stand up for something, it should be well thought out. And if you can’t live with it, that doesn’t make you a worse journalist. As editor-in-chief, I try to create space for freedom. Freedom fosters quality. That’s why my key principle is always: freedom. If you have good people and give them real freedom, it’s not only best for them and the results – it’s also best for yourself. I firmly believe that people can find the answers that are right for them within themselves.

CB Integrity is often confused with morality. How do you view that relationship?

PPE Ideally, they go hand in hand. But integrity without moral grounding can be dangerous. Even extremists have integrity – just in a direction that’s not desirable. Moral coordinates are needed to keep integrity constructive.

CB Can integrity also mean holding back?

PPE Absolutely. Listening, tolerating uncertainty – that’s inner strength. Pretending to know everything isn’t integrity, it’s weakness. The same goes for staying silent out of fear. Honesty is an underrated part of integrity.

CB Is there a figure who shaped your understanding of integrity?

PPE Ignatz Bubis. When asylum centres were burning in the ’90s, he travelled to the scenes as president of the Central Council of Jews. Not out of obligation, but from conviction. That gesture shaped many – myself included.

CB How do you maintain integrity under pressure?

PPE Through conviction. I know I speak for many in the Jewish community. Even when there’s pushback – I stand firm. It’s a privilege to have a voice.

CB Have you ever doubted yourself?

PPE Constantly. Doubt is part of integrity. I question myself, my arguments, my texts. But that only works with people who are willing to engage. Those who only shout block discourse – and we need discourse.

CB What would a fair journalistic stance on antisemitism look like?

PPE Name things as they are. No either–or. There’s right-wing, left-wing, Islamist antisemitism. All are real. All are dangerous. Acknowledging only one of them undermines credibility.

CB What kind of integrity would you like to see – from the media, from society, and from yourself?

PPE More discourse. More tolerance of contradiction. Democratic debate. The aim isn’t to agree, but to engage respectfully. If we could return to more face-to-face dialogue and less online confrontation, we’d already be ahead. My experience: those who harass me online often back down when I call them. In conversation, anger often turns into understanding.