Many thanks for the full piece McGrath.

I think his purpose as articulated here, is the most significant aspect of the piece:

And let me say: I'll be silent no more,
Because the hypocrisy of the West
Disgusts me; besides it is to be hoped
That many others may be freed from silence,

It's essential that public figures as Grass should set a precedent by risking speak openly in such fashion in order to provoke essential debate in the West. And of course it's very important for Germans in particular - who clearly remain buried under an impossible ethical burden where honest debate about Germany's unflinching support of Israel and all she does - so that both Germans (and others in the West) may feel liberated to do likewise.