JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY Special Report on Baden-Württemberg

SUPPLEMENT SEPTEMBER 2013

GerManY’S land OF OPPOrTUniTY

pposites attract, they say. Taken one step further: O opposites working togeth- er make for a success story. When the L and of Baden-Württem- berg, the state in the very south- west corner of Germany, was founded in 1952, it took some persuasion for the people of the historic Baden and Württemberg regions to join hands. Tradition- ally, the Württembergers, espe- cially the Swabians, are consid- ered to be a hard-working, industrious people, economically thrifty to the point of tight-fi st- edness. The people of Baden, on the other hand, are proud to be liberals, free thinkers, with a penchant for the good life, for fi ne food and wine, counting generosity as one of their virtues. Germany’s most famous poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe felt that Heidelberg had something “quite ideal”. The city is known for its picturesque castle ruin Both, Württembergers and Bad- situated on a hill above the river Neckar, overlooking the historic center which brims with university life. For those who want to leave the bustle of its litt le markets, a walk along the Philosphenweg off ers great views of Heidelberg’s old town – views that have inspired painters and poets ti me and again. eners, were said to be strong of will. Their respective – and with time joint – stubbornness turned out to be a blessing. Poor soil, long hard Makers of Tomorrow winters meant that people had to be resourceful and innovative. That’s why Baden-Württemberg Baden-Württemberg is diverse, successful and charming is the land of tinkerers and inven- tors: Be it the cuckoo clock, bin- The people of Baden-Württem- ing beyond the giants into the ally dependent and stimulate COnTenTS oculars, the pretzel, the automo- berg certainly know how to work details: many of the state-of-the- each other,” said Winfried bile, the dowel or the perm – they hard. A strong industry with in- art technologies and products Kretschmann on taking offi ce in all came into being in what is ternationally renowned giants coming out of the region are 2011. Nonetheless, “going green” made by medium-sized compa- will be a big challenge for the nies, traditionally the backbone area’s industry – but one which of German economy and espe- will be taken on and mastered cially of Baden-Württemberg. with the vigor, ingenuity and Moreover, an even closer look work ethic that the region is reveals a typical Baden-Würt- known for. Enchanting temberg phenomenon: the “hid- All work and no play? Certainly A Picture Perfect Holiday den champions”, companies not in Baden-Württemberg. tucked away far from urban cen- Work-life balance is something PAGE III ters, just bursting with good the people here have worked ideas, fi ne craftsmanship and top hard for – and achieved. They are engineering. Many of them are a friendly bunch with a long tra- worldwide market leaders in dition of hospitality. The fact their fi eld. that more than three million Traditional industry and eco- French cross the border to wine logical sustainability are not and dine in this great land each competing ideas in Baden-Würt- year, says it all. And given the di- Learning the trade: Trainees building electric motors temberg. Often said to be conser- verse landscape on off er: from vative, Baden-Württemberg is the peaks and dark forests which Innovative known today as Baden-Württem- like Bosch, Daimler and Porsche the fi rst German state to be gov- gave the Black Forest its name, Business and Industry berg. Currently, the Land tops the – for many the synonym for Ger- erned by a prime minister be- the gentle rolling hills of the Tau- PAGE V list of German states with its man engineering – operate from longing to the Green party: ber valley, the shores of the “Swa- number of annual applications Baden-Württemberg. The engine “Where, if not here in this eco- bian Sea”, Lake Constance, and for patents. In 2012 alone, 14,225 of the German economy, car nomically strong country, can we the mountain range of the Swa- brilliant ideas were submitted. manufacturing, is located in and demonstrate that ecology and bian Alb, to dreamy university This makes Baden-Württemberg around Stuttgart. The factories economy are not only not mutu- towns like Tübingen and Heidel- the No. 1 region for innovation in have given a whole region its ally exclusive, not as opposites berg, the modern metropolis the European Union. identity. But it’s also worth look- must be, but that they are mutu- Stuttgart with its fi ne art galler- ies and international trade fairs, and the luxurious spa town of Powerful Baden-württemberg Baden-Baden with its famous ca- sino and horse racecourse – is it The Daimler S-Class Founded in 1952 any wonder that Baden-Würt- PAGE VI Surface area: 35.751 km² temberg is one of Germany’s fa- Third largest German state vorite holiday destinations. Population: 10.5 million Baden Württemberg’s coat of What lies ahead? For the past 11 % of population hold a foreign passport arms depicts three black lions 41 % of population perform voluntary work with red tongues on a gold 60 years, past Nobel Prize laure- Highest life expectancy in Germany background. Six smaller coats ates congregate each summer on (male: 79,2; female: 83,6 years) of arms sit at the top of the the island Mainau in Lake Con- Capital: Stuttgart (586.000 inhabitants) shield. They represent the historic stance. On board the ship taking Urban centers: origins/regions of the Land. Flanking them there they meet young as- Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg the coat on each side are the shield piring scientists and researchers Smallest town: Böllen (91 inhabitants) bearers: to the left is a stag – the from Baden-Württemberg. New In Tune First German state to be governed by a symbol for Wuerttemberg; and to the The Power Players Green Prime Minister right is a griffi n – the symbol for Baden. ideas are born here – a solid PAGE VII Credit: Christi an Bienia, ME Arbeitgeberverband, Vitra Design Museum/Thomas Dix@vitra, Fraunhofer IGB, Daimler, dpa Daimler, IGB, an Bienia, Design ME Fraunhofer Vitra Museum/ThomasArbeitgeberverband, Dix@vitra, Christi Credit: foundation for the future. ■ II | Baden-Württemberg Supplement | September 2013 September 2013 | Supplement Baden-Württemberg | III

FaCTS & FiGUreS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Past and present come together in daily life

Lively traditions: The Swabian Alemannic carnival, celebrated since the Middle Ages

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) theoretical physicist. Awarded the Nobel Prize in 1921 Freiburg university Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) mathematician and astronomer Caroline Kaulla (1739–1809) Jewish entrepreneur, once Germany’s richest woman Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831) philosopher education Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler (1834–1900) invented the high-speed petrol engine 9 universities, including 3 Universities of Excellence, among Hermann Hesse (1877–1962) author of Steppenwolf. Received the Nobel Prize in 1946 them Germany’s oldest in Heidelberg (founded 1386), Georg Elser (1903–1945) came close to assassinating Hitler in 1939 Germany’s fi rst Pop-Academy in Mannheim Sophie Scholl (1921–1943 executed) Member of the anti-Nazi movement White Rose 44 polytechnics, 5 private universities, 9 state approved Roland Emmerich (*1955) highest grossing German director in Hollywood People 335,000 students

With shores in three countries, Lake Constance, or Bodensee, boasts Bronze Age dwellings, Germany’s oldest castle, Meersburg, the UNESCO listed monastic island of Reichenau as well as the Flower Island of Mainau. The region is also the home of the Zeppelin. More than half of the shoreline of the “Swabian Sea”, one of Europe’s largest lakes, economy arts is in Germany, with stunning views of the Swiss Alps. GDP: € 36,020 p.c. Exports (2011): € 172 billion TraVel & CUlTUre Three out of four people in BW are in gainful employment: Above: In Baden-Würt- temberg, there are 5.8 m (age: 15–65) Hockenheimring motor wines from a volcano 1300 museums On the Sunny Side that are fi t for a king. racing circuit hosts Formu- Employment rate: 76 % (among the highest in Germany) Baden-Baden Opera: Europe’s largest opera and con- Studies have shown that la One German Grand Prix Unemployement: 3.9 % (lowest among EU-countries) cert house – and the only one that is self-funded Kaiserstuhl, a volcano Home to sports legends: Youth unemployment under 4 % Discover the Southwest’s unspoilt appeal massif between the 4 UNESCO World Heritage sights Steffi Graf and Boris ¼ of industrial revenue generated by automotive engineering, Vosges and the Upper Becker, tennis champions Famous castles and gardens (Hohenzollern Castle, by Hartmut Bomhoff carnival for example with its an- class Stuttgart Ballet and art mu- Rhine valley, boasts the Jürgen Klinsmann, U.S. mechanical and plant engineering (20 %), metal and electrical industries Ludwigsburg Castle, Schwetzingen Castle and Gar- cient masks and costumes is re- seums, including the State Gal- most hours of sunshine t was the Romans who fi rst nowned for its attractive Fast- lery, famous for its collection of and the warmest climate Men’s National Soccer (7 % each) dens, Heidelberg Castle, Mannheim Castle) Team Head Coach fell in love with the sunny nacht processions. modern art. Of course, one also in all of Germany. Wine Joachim Löw, Coach and I side of Germany. Today, After soaking up history, noth- fi nds contemporary culture out- growing on the Kaiser- No 1 in European Union innovation index (72,1%) Baden-Württemberg is one of ing is more soothing than spend- side of the major city. There is stuhl was introduced by Manager of the German innovation the Federal Republic’s most fa- ing a leisurely day in one of the much to see and do in the uni- the Romans. Today it is, National Football Team 4.8 % of GDP invested in innovation mous holiday destinations. country’s natural mineral spas, versity towns Freiburg, Heidel- with more than 4,000 Eberhard Gienger, No 1 in research and development Whatever you are looking for, with Baden-Baden being the berg and Tübingen; Baden- hectares of vineyards, of gymnastics champion Famous inventions: you are likely to fi nd it here: Viv- grandest of the many thermal Baden is not only known for spas vital ecological and eco- Christian Streich, Coach id history and a wide variety of baths. Enjoying the great out- but also for festivals; while Euro- nomic importance. The of Soccer Club SC Freiburg Carl-Benz motorcar No 1 (1886) pa-Park at Rust is one of the hills of the region have Regina Hallmich, World Black Forest gateau (1915) world’s top theme parks. It is this become a habitat for a The Federal Constituti- perfect fusion of diff erent, some- variety of plants as well Champion Women’s Plastic dowel (Fischer, 1958) Boxing onal Court is located in times contrasting, characteris- as for rare species, such Electric chainsaw (Stihl, 1926) Karlsruhe. Since 1951, tics that makes southwest Ger- as praying manti ses and Ignition plug (Bosch, 1902) many a fascinating and unique green lizards. the supreme constitutional holiday destination. Welcome to Bionic Handling Assistant court ensures that all state Baden-Württemberg! ■ Sports Handcar (Karl Drais, 1817) institutions obey the Basic Above: Ulm Minster’s tower, called the “Fin- Law, the constitution of Right: “Founded in 1147, the Cis- ger of God” because it has the highest church tercian Maulbronn Monastery is tower in the world, has watched over the city the Federal Republic of considered the best-preserved of Ulm for centuries. Much of Albert Einstein’s Germany. medieval monastery complex hometown, menti oned fi rst in 854, was de- Hidden Champions Traditions north of the Alps,” reads the stroyed in World War II. Today, the cityscape UNESCO’s World Heritage List. blends lovingly restored historic buildings Home to 302 “hidden champions”: medium- Bollen Hat – part of the Maulbronn’s unity and overall with breathtaking modernity, including a fi ne sized businesses, up to 1000 workforce, traditional costume worn in the Justice completeness provide a rare and collecti on of major European and American which are world market leaders in their field Black Forest. The straw hat perfect snapshot in to claustral post-war artwork at the Ulm Museum. – e.g. Herrenknecht (mechanical tunneling If you’re a true design fiend, you must not miss out on the Vitra Design life. sports 14 woolen balls and can Museum. Situated in Weil am Rhein, close to the city of Basel, the museum machines), Steiff (toys), J&M Analytik (spec- weigh up to 2 kilos. JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY presents one of the world’s largest collections of design objects, with a troscopy), Schlatterer Esband (drive and con- Fastnacht – The Swabian SUPPLEMENT focus on industrial furniture design and lighting, as well as temporary ex- veyor belts), Ziegler (fire fighting vehicles and equipment), Alemannic Carnival, dating back BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG hibitions. Frank O. Gehry’s museum building is an architectural attraction Nubert (speakers and subwoofers) to the Middle Ages, always draws in its own right. crowds with its costumes and PUBLISHER Dr. Rafael Seligmann cultural events, gourmet delights doors proves to be as benefi cial as terrifying devil and fools’ masks. EDITORS and award-winning local wines, the hot springs. A walk through environment Cuckoo Clock – the famous Black Forest clock is modeled Hartmut Bomhoff , Dr. Elisabeth Neu the healing powers of spas and the narrow valleys of the Black on the former houses of railway signalmen in Baden. Pipes ART DIRECTOR health resorts as well as an un- Forest (with a stop at a tavern for inside imitate the cuckoo’s call. Carola Piegert spoiled countryside perfect for a glass of wine, or a Kirsch 40 % of area covered in forests Dialect – Baden-Württemberg speaks in hiking and biking. schnapps, amid the chirps of a lo- PRINTED BY Historic cities and picturesque cally made cuckoo clock in the many tongues: Swabian, Alemannic Frankfurt Societäts-Druckerei GmbH By law, in 2020 greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by villages boast local charm. The background), in the hills of the 25 % and by 90 % in 2050 and Franconian dialects with CONTACT remnants of the Limes, the Ro- Kaiserstuhl or along the shores of their many local versions are SVoice from Germany GmbH Renewable energy is to make for 38 % of electricity generation Postfach 311310 man border wall, medieval mon- Lake Constance can have a tre- One cannot describe those noble woods, nor the feeling with which they inspire him, used here. D-10643 Berlin asteries and baroque churches, mendously relaxing eff ect on wrote Mark Twain in The Black Forest and Its Treasures. Even though fairy tales suggest that the Black Forest is no place by 2020, by 2050 for 86 % Food & Drink – For centuries, castles large and small are testa- both mind and body. for the faint-hearted, the valleys with lakes and farms nestled in hollows between thickly forested areas have become [email protected] Stuttgart aims to become the most energy efficient region the region has been renowned for ment to Baden-Württemberg’s Looking for the buzz of the one of the most popular family travel desti nati ons in all of Germany. To take in the natural beauty of the region, you worldwide by 2025 its different types of excellent www.jewish-voice-from-germany.de diverse regional identities and its city? Stuttgart, the region’s capi- could ride on horseback through the hills, hike to the top of Germany’s highest waterfalls, or wander along dark tree- rich past. The locals cherish this tal, boasts two of the best car Freiburg is Germany’s No.1 city for sunshine (1740 hours p.a.) local cooking and fi ne wines. laden trails off the beaten path. Explore local shops selling cuckoo clocks, wood carvings, music boxes and other craft s, Credit: Library of Congress, Benediktv, Andreas Fink, A. Kniesel, unknown (Benz motorcar), dpa, Margarethe Steiff GmbH, Deutsches Uhrenmuseum Furtwangen, Roberto Verzo, Mikelo Verzo, GmbH, Roberto Deutsches Furtwangen, Uhrenmuseum Steiff Fink, Andreas A. dpa, unknown Margarethe (Benz Kniesel, motorcar), of Library Benediktv, Credit: Congress, emberg GmbH Baden-Württ ng Tourismusmarketi fr4dd, emberg, Baden-Württ Landesmedienzentrum @vitra, Dix Museum/Thomas Design , Vitra Kraft n Marti Coch, Th. Dr. - GmbH Kaiserstuhl Naturgarten RomansA, Bachem, n Valenti Credit: heritage. The Swabian Alemannic museums as well as the world- and enjoy the hospitality of hosts who have managed to preserve their cultural traditi ons. IV | Baden-Württemberg Supplement | September 2013 September 2013 | Supplement Baden-Württemberg | V

POliTiCS indUSTrY and SCienCe Building Bridges Germany’s Powerhouse Minister President Winfried Kretschmann deepens his Economic successes of the past help to forge the future personal and political connections in Israel Winfried Kretschmann and By Klaus Dieter Oehler the German-born industria- list and philanthropist Stef ake Constance, the wood- expressed the hope that Israel, too, Wertheimer awarded Master ed hills of the Black For- would invest more intensively in Craftsman Certificates to se- est, rolling vineyards and green energies, pointing out that ven Israeli and one German proximity to Alsace and the energy transition will ultimate- vocational trainee in the LSwitzerland make Baden-Würt- ly work only on a global level. field of fine mechanics. temberg, or the “Ländle,” as the The export of good ideas from Ger- natives of this area aff ectionately many was also on the agenda during call it, a uniquely attractive place. Mr. Kretschmann’s visit with Stef But any assumption that the Wertheimer, an Israeli industrialist nickname (“le” is a German di- originally from Kippenheim in minutive – so “Ländle” would Baden-Württemberg. Mr. Wert- translate as “little state”) is a way heimer is currently working in part- of characterizing Baden-Würt- nership with the southwestern Land temberg as a cute, sleepy little to make the Israeli educational sys- place hidden away in the provinc- tem more practical, using Germany’s es is wide off the mark. “We can proven two-track structure as a As official representative of do everything except speak prop- model. In a ceremony to honor train- the Federal Republic of Ger- er, high German,” is what locals ees, Mr. Wertheimer and Mr. many, Mr. Kretschmann met say, with a bit of irony and lots of By Florian Ehrich people have come together also at the the memorial’s guestbook reads as Kretschmann awarded Master with Israeli President Shimon self-assurance. In reality, the Swa- grass-roots level, have been invalu- follows: “The atrocious injustice of Craftsman Certificates to eight grad- Peres. The topics discussed in- bians or Württembergians, as the infried Kretschmann able. I can sense a readiness for a new the Shoah and the memory of its vic- uates in the field of fine mechanics. cluded the Middle East peace inhabitants of the third-largest has a reputation for beginning here, one which makes me tims must never be forgotten. They Seven were Israeli citizens of Arab process and Germany’s shift federal state of Germany (both in being a good listener hopeful that the process will finally will forever serve to admonish us to and orthodox Jewish origins, and one to renewable energies. terms of area and population) call – a talent that will move into gear.” practice tolerance, respect, and the a German. Mr. Wertheimer hopes themselves, have a reputation as Tognum diesel engine factory in Friedrichshafen surelyW stand any German politi- A highly personal experience for Mr. protection of human rights.” that the program will also be able to some of Germany’s most indus- cian visiting Israel in good stead. Kretschmann was the opportunity to build bridges across these various trious workers. This Land is between the basic research done liamentary elections (for the first In his dual positions as both Minis- speak with four Holocaust survivors. Cooperation between Israel and communities: “If you work together, among the strongest and most at university level and the higher, time in 58 years!) and a member ter President and President of the After their meeting in a hotel in Tel Baden-Württemberg you won’t fight against one another.” competitive economies through- technical development of new of the Green party became Min- Bundesrat (chamber of the German Aviv, the German politician was visi- The trip was more than just an of- out Europe. products and procedures in busi- ister-President of the Land. But Parliament in which the Länder, the bly moved. “Meeting the victims who As might be expected, Mr. ficial duty for Winfried Kretschmann. Stihl: With headquarters in Waiblingen, the company boasts the nesses. Small and medium-sized Winfried Kretschmann soon federal states, are represented), he be- survived this horror face to face and Kretschmann also had a message He was able to meet people from dif- More powerful world’s best-selling chainsaws enterprises, in particular, benefi t proved that he intended to pur- gan his six-day tour through the Holy to hear them tell their own, highly from his home state of Baden- fering religious communities and than many EU-states from the more than 300 Land by visiting Kibbutz Hatzerim in personal accounts – this is something Württemberg where, as Minister- from all walks of life, each one with transfer centers operated By establishing the Netafi m the Negev desert. Having followed different entirely. It puts a real face on President from the Green Party, he different experiences and circum- With a gross domestic product Region of innovation by the Steinbeis Founda- the Kibbutz movement with enthusi- what might otherwise be an anony- is committed to realizing Germa- stances. Yet they all had one wish in company, Kibbutz Hatzerim of 390 b Euros, the economic tion at universities in This land is among atic interest since his youth, Mr. mous destiny.” No less affecting was ny’s transition to renewable power. common: that they might enjoy has been able to lessen its power of Baden-Württemberg is Moreover, statistics cite one re- Baden-Württemberg that dependence on agriculture “ the strongest and Kretschmann was impressed by how Mr. Kretschmann’s visit to the Yad Speaking before the German-Is- peace and a prosperous future in greater than that of many EU cord after another. Baden-Würt- focus on specifi c techni- most competitive the community’s original ideals con- Vashem memorial site. His entry into raeli Chamber of Commerce, he their shared homeland of Israel. ■ as a form of income. The member states. Greece, for exam- temberg has the highest ratio of cal aspects. These pro- economies throughout tiniued to thrive. He said: “In the Kib- politi cian has had an interest ple, has a GDP of all of 230 b Eu- employees in the industrial sec- vide consultancy services europe butz, the basic values of communal in the Kibbutz movement ros. The same applies for the per tor, and the highest share of in- and training opportuni- living – such as mutual respect, com- The Unbreakable Bond with Israel since his youth. capita GDP. Only the Länder of dustrial production in the gross ties, while also imple- munity spirit, and solidarity – are be- Hesse and Bavaria and the city- the standard for socially engaged domestic product compared to menting development ing lived out in practice. The early Five questions to Prime Minister Kretschmann states Bremen and Hamburg have entrepreneurship and the com- Germany’s other Länder. The re- contracts. In addition, Kibbutz settlements were places a higher GDP per capita than the pany he established continues to gion has also earned a reputation there are around 30 tech- where Jewish life and aspirations were What does “solidarity with Israel” mean? ligious terms. The need to integrate immigrants from all Ländle. In the past year, its eco- hold pole position among auto- as one of the most innovative nology centers and busi- able to flourish despite all the perse- Our shared democratic values, together with German over the world and the ongoing search for social consen- nomic growth of 5 percent was motive suppliers in global mar- within the European Union due ness incubators in the cution, often in entirely new social responsibility for the Shoah, form an unbreakable bond sus – these are tasks about which we should continue to signifi cantly higher than the Ger- kets. But Baden-Württemberg to its performance in technology Land that have made it models.” Kibbutz Hatzerim’s success between Germany and Israel. By continuing to cultivate exchange our experiences. man national average of 3.6 per- would not be Germany’s “innova- and research and development. their task to promote the is attributable in part to its collective- the strong diplomatic relations that have existed be- To what extent is Germany’s Nazi past still felt in con- cent. And this has served the re- tion region” were its economic Despite its numerous acco- establishment of tech- ly owned and run Netafim company, tween us for almost fifty years, we also keep our mutual temporary Israel? gion well – with an unemployment power based solely on the auto- lades, this region is not resting nology-oriented enter- which has become a global market remembrance alive. For Germany, Israel’s right to exist My visit to the central Yad Vashem memorial and my rate of currently around 4 per- motive industry. on its laurels. A country like Ger- prises. High level research: Cultivating cells and leader in the field of water-saving and its national security are unshakeable, fundamental face-to-face conversations with Holocaust survivors The German guests light cent, Baden-Württemberg has Renowned mechanical engi- many, with its high labor costs tissues — the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft is a candle in Bethlehem’s droplet irrigation. principles. Whosoever wishes to destroy the state of Is- were intensely moving experiences for me. I was once the highest employment fi gures neering businesses, textile manu- and orientation towards exports, Ecological responsibility Europe’s largest innovation center rael will also come into conflict with the Federal Repub- again reminded of the boundless suffering and bitter Church of the Nati vity with in the country next to Bavaria. facturers, and electronics and can continue its success in the his wife Gerlinde – surely Cautious optimism lic of Germany. Given this reality, Germany is an active anguish that continue to haunt the Jewish people even It was here in Baden-Württem- software fi rms have recognized global market only if it is able to Its two leading sectors, agricul- sue a policy of realpolitik. The partner in fostering the peace process in the Near East, today, and how important it is to have a homeland in a moving moment for the berg that the automobile was in- the advantages this region off ers. foster a close collaboration be- ture – specifi cally wine-growing new head of the Land govern- Mr. Kretschmann, who was travel- in keeping with the overall foreign policy of the Euro- which one can feel secure. Anyone seeking a fair and practi cing Catholic, even if vented in 1886 by Gottlieb Daim- A large number of small and me- tween economy and science. Be- – and industry, make the region ment lauded his predecessors at ing as an official representative of the pean Union. balanced view of the modern state of Israel must try to singing a Christmas-carol in ler and Carl Friedrich Benz; it is dium-sized enterprises, of which sides expanding along the Neckar a panel discussion before an au- Federal Republic of Germany, gained How can one bring Germans and Israelis closer together? understand this feeling of having been repeatedly at- the summer heat was a nov- the home of luxury sports car many are family-owned, also form universities and re- River unique. Peo- dience of entrepreneurs in Stutt- an overview of the country’s complex As in the past, we need to promote lots of personal, day- tacked and left defenceless throughout history. elty for him. maker Porsche; Robert Bosch set part of the economic landscape. search institutions, ple have always gart. He said: “The way our econ- despite its visible political situation through a series of to-day encounters, particularly among our young peo- How can we nudge Israelis and Palestinians towards the policies pursued been pursuing new omy is doing today, they can’t “ success, this re- high-level discussions. At a meeting ple. The key for me here is that we do not just exchange peace? in Baden-Württem- and bold ventures have made that many mistakes.” gion is not resting with Israel’s President Shimon Peres, agreeable phrases, but that we actually create genuine Our visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories was, berg concerning re- here, and they will As a full-blooded Green politi- on its laurels. Mr. Kretschmann emphasized the partnerships that enrich the participants. The Federal amongst other things, an acknowledgement of the search and technol- certainly continue cian, it is obvious that Mr. close bond between Germany and Land of Baden-Württemberg, with its numerous collab- peace efforts made by both sides in the Israeli-Palestin- ogy focus on the going down that Kretschmann intends to focus Israel, and pledged his country’s sup- orative initiatives in the fields of science, education, and ian conflict. While we heard voices that entirely dis- so-called “centers of path in the future. more strongly on sustainable port for the peace process in the Mid- culture, is a good example of successful “caring and shar- missed the feasibility of a two-state solution, we also technology”. This commitment The Land intends to establish it- mobility, environmental tech- dle East. “It is very important to us ing” that benefits both societies. This is the foundation heard those that said the time for courageous negotia- to developing a sustainable fu- self in the coming years as a glob- nologies, renewable energies, that Israel is able to live in safety. We that we are building on. tions had come. It is the firm conviction of Germany and ture has made this Land the fed- al model region, where economic Green IT, and intelligent prod- want to do everything we can to help How can Germany and Israel learn from each other? its partners that the ultimate goal must be to negotiate eral state in Germany with the success and prosperity are joined ucts in future. But Swabian en- Israel in securing peace.” He also Both Israel and Baden-Württemberg are regions that a sustainable two-state solution – with the state of Is- Jerusalem: in the Hall of most closely knit network of re- by ecological responsibility, so- trepreneurs have already recog- heard about the demands put forth boast a high capacity for innovation when it comes to rael on the one hand and an independent and demo- Names, Yad Vashem. search institutions. Among them cial justice, and conservation nized that these matters are not by the Palestinians, particularly their commerce and science. For Israel, key objectives include cratic Palestinian state on the other. The optimal pre- “A visit to Yad Vashem re- are those run by the Fraunhofer and sustainable practices for fu- just challenges – they are oppor- struggle for an independent state, learning how to strengthen its small and medium-sized condition for success in the peace talks, in my opinion, ally gets under your skin. Gesellschaft, university research ture generations. tunities waiting to be seized. ■ during his discussions with represen- companies, and how to implement the dual system of is a good-faith willingness to engage, brought to the Keeping alive the memory foundations, and the scientifi c For many managers and owners tatives of the Palestinian Authority in vocational education and academic studies. negotiating table by both sides. And in my discussions, of the inequity that was mega-academies in Stuttgart of family-owned firms, it will Klaus Dieter Oehler has worked Ramallah. Still, Mr. Kretschmann Conversely, Israel can teach Germany what it means to I have certainly met both Israelis and Palestinians who perpetrated in those days and Karlsruhe. All of these insti- have come as a bit of a shock for more than 20 years as a fi nan- came away cautiously optimistic. create a society that is highly diverse in cultural and re- are willing to go down this path. shall remain our task and Toys with tradition: Märklin was founded in 1859, tutions, with their close ties to when in 2011, the Christian Dem- cial editor for the daily Stuttgarter obligation.” “The examples we have seen, where dpa Credit: (6) 103 Basti IGB, Young, dpa, Frauenhofer hl dcysurfer/Dave Sti Credit: today it is best known for model railways the economy, serve as a bridge ocratic Union lost the state par- Zeitung VI | Baden-Württemberg Supplement | September 2013 September 2013 | Supplement Baden-Württemberg | VII

PeOPle

Old World Ingenuity “I wasn’t just born How Baden-Württembergers touch the world in Baden-Würt- temberg, I love By Siegfried Guterman fact that all chaff e, schaff e, Häusle baue”, industrious, inventive and entre- Upper Swabians, Palatines, Franco- to keep coming back this was to work tirelessly to secure preneurial of all of Germany. Not nians, Alemannics for so many diff er- ercedes- achieved S one’s own home, is said to only did they invent some of the and Baden na- ent reasons,” says Benz, the while also be the core motto of the Swabi- world’s most essential products tives as well Anne-Sophie Mut- world’s cutting ans. Considered the penny pinch- and devices including the car, as many new- ter, who for over oldest back on fu- ers of Germany, this particular both the gas and diesel engines comers. three decades has automotiveM brand, is el consump- breed of people from Baden- and the jet aircraft, but 20 of the Quality, experi- been one of the most of noble ancestry. The tion is praise- Württemberg don’t mind living country’s largest businesses are ence and innovation are values that acclaimed violin virtuosi of origins traces to the worthy. up to the stereotype that they are based here. Swabian industry is Baden-Württemberg stands for in our ti me. Mutt er not only first ever petrol pow- S-Class emis- a hard working and frugal bunch. key to the German economy. the production of regional goods performs classical works but ered car, the famous sions are 242–146 However, the Brothers Grimm Their diligence epitomizes the from traditional Bollen hats and oft en treats her audiences to Benz Patent Motorwa- g/km. S-Class did these southern Germans a dis- character of the 10.5 million people cuckoo clocks, which originated in new and creati ve repertoires. gen, hitting the road in prices start at service with their story Die sieben of Baden-Württemberg in the the Black Forest region, to modern Very much in tune with her 1886. Pioneering spirit runs $ 93.000. For a mere $107k Schwaben (The Seven Swabians) popular imagination but Germa- solar modules and wind genera- home country’s spirit, she in the blood of Mercedes engi- the S 500 could be yours. Well in which they were depicted as ny’s third-largest state has a di- tors. These are people with a vision wants to conti nue to “bring any- neers and designers. Producing aware that the S-Class will oc- simpletons. In fact, the people of verse population. It not only that are both mindful of the past thing new, anything important, under the brand name Mer- cupy the top of the luxury sedan this region are some of the most consists of Swabians but also while looking to the future. ■ anything diff erent to music”. cedes-Benz since 1926, the Stutt- Man’S SeCOnd BeST Friend market, Mercedes plans to show- gart headquartered manufactur- case this new model in purpose- In August 1888, two years af- Paralyzed by polio, Magarete er is a synonym for high-class built lounges at its dealerships ter her husband Karl had regis- Steiff (1847−1909) had appar- tered his “horseless carriage”, ently no future prospects but automotives which provide bril- – an added sweetener to give A Passion for Technology and Luxury Bertha Benz (1849–1944), took overcame her limitati ons. A liant performance. Therefore, high-end customers an even the car for a surprise visit to skilled seamstress, she once the presentation of a new Mer- greater feeling of exclusivity. It her mother and became the made life-size felt elephants. cedes-Benz is always something Stuttgart-based car maker Mercedes introduces its new S-Class is safe to assume, however, that fi rst person to drive an auto- Her workshop in Giengen be- special. a signifi cant number of these ve- mobile over a long distance. came a renowned “factory for hicles will be driven and main- felt arti cles and toys” which is ic camera, which works in con- elegance, and sportiness, while tained by drivers or employees A Hollywood success story sti ll going strong. cert with six radar sensors to also bridging continuity and in- working for DAX-listed compa- has its origins in smalltown generate a comprehensive over- novation. By all appearances, nies, that is, the largest German Württ emberg. Carl Laemmle Johann Jacob Astor (1763− view of the vehicle’s surround- this Herculean task has been corporations. Perhaps Mercedes (1867−1939), a Swabian Jew, 1848), an epitome of immigrant ings, so that all-out braking can fulfi lled. The sedan feels light would be well advised to try left his nati ve Laupheim aft er entrepreneurship and patron of be triggered the very instant a and nimble, yet still packs other innovative distribution a business apprenti ceship. In culture, was a salesman from crash has been identifi ed – in enough heft to give former May- channels as well. After all, there 1912, he built Universal City Waldorf. America’s fi rst multi - Studios, launching the mo- millionaire is sti ll remembered in other words, in those instances bach drivers the ti on picture industry. his hometown near Heidelberg. in which a tenth of a second can status conscious- mean the diff erence between ness they are ac- life and death. customed to. While The S-Class was also designed cutting-edge, the with the weakest link on the car still has a road in mind: the pedestrian. streamlined feel Thus, the automobile senses thanks to the elim- that a driver has failed to see a ination of trendy pedestrian in his path, and but unnecessary In this picture we’ve hidden 302 champions. Has the iconic 300SL of the 1950s finally met its match? warns him with a peep tone. If bells and whistles. the driver still fails to react, the Gone are the days At the premiere of the latest In at least three key areas – vehicle will hit the brakes auto- when Mercedes Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Ham- safety, comfort, and design – the matically. frightened off sen- TO FIND THEM, COME TO BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG. burg, superstar Alicia Keys was new Mercedes-Benz fl agship sitive souls with Perfection in the making on hand to provide live musical pushes the envelope of the pre- A fl ying carpet on four wheels massiveness. entertainment. Not a bad vious automotive tagline “state are surely many potential choice, but maybe Tina Turner of the art”. (Not to mention The word “comfort” is a crass Dynamics and smooth perfor- S-Class drivers who would be would have been more appro- price of course.) understatement when it comes mance only too happy to get behind priate. For although Tina, un- to the new Mercedes. “Pure lux- the wheel in the context of car- like the S-Class, may be a bit Electronic guardian angels ury” would be more apropos to A description of the power un- sharing. Although car-sharing is long in the tooth, her song Sim- the feel of the passenger com- der the hood is almost superfl u- a growth trend mostly among ply the Best is surely a more apt Once you get behind the wheel partment, which is also de- ous. This new series starts out of drivers of more modest vehi- description of this unique new of the S-Class, you are eff ective- signed to screen off any unwant- the gate with three powerful en- cles, it could well prove to be an off ering from the luxury brand. ly in the hands of a whole host ed external distractions. In fact, gines – one diesel and two gaso- eff ective sales strategy in the of electronic “guardian angels” the S-Class is a veritable para- line – and it goes without saying luxury sedan market as well. ■ Vision accomplished that carry out their protective dise on wheels for the automo- that the S 500 probably boasts tasks in an entirely unobtrusive, tive enthusiast. Just one out- the most well-balanced engine Siegfried Guterman is the Almost as ambitious as JFK almost undetectable manner. If standing feature is the vehicle’s anywhere in terms of dynamics economics editor of the Jewish when he promised to land a you have selected the S 500 ability to scan the road ahead and smooth performance. The Voice from Germany man on the moon, Mercedes model, moreover, you can prob- for bumps and potholes and had set itself the goal of build- ably rest assured of enjoying the send commands to the suspen- ing the world’s best automobile. most formidable technological sion so as to smooth out the But this grand undertaking arsenal to be purchased on the ride. The resulting driving expe- seems to have unleashed so global auto market today. rience has been aptly compared much creativity, engineering For one thing, the S-Class is to a “fl ying carpet” by the vehi- wizardry, and innovation that the fi rst to blur the distinction cle’s engineers. Unlike a fl ying the automaker can rightly claim between active and passive safe- carpet, however, the S-Class’ “vision accomplished”. The new ty, between prevention and ac- road scanners only work during S-Class has become the gold tion. Rodolfo Schöneburg, the daylight. Then again, one has to standard in the luxury automo- Stuttgart-based automaker’s leave a few challenges for the fu- bile segment. It is likely to safety guru, modestly calls this ture. It goes without saying that maintain this exalted position an “integrated safety concept”. such a car has an immaculate for some time to come, given Take the “Pre-Safe” system, for suspension which touches the that rivals BMW and Audi still example: this was conceived to limits of the physically possible. Discover the Land of Hidden Champions: have long ways to go to develop prepare the car’s occupants for a It is the optimum of contempo- an answer in the same league. possible crash and reduces the rary technology. www.bw-invest.de/en And outside of Germany, the S- forces impacting the head and In terms of design, the new Class currently has no real com- neck in an accident by 30 to 40 S-Class is intended to achieve

petition. percent. Or the car’s stereoscop- the magical trifecta of status, Through the generations: S-Class parade Daimler Credit: (3), Sfoskett dpa, Credit: Bühler/Mannheim, Bain Service,News unknown, Gilbert Stuart

130806-AZ-Jewish-Voice-250x180.indd 1 08.08.13 14:06 VIII | Baden-Württemberg Supplement | September 2013

Baden-Baden and Badenweiler A Source of Inspiration Russian literati relished Germany’s renowned spa towns

means. Turgenjev had been living in Baden-Baden since 1863: “I no longer see myself as a Russian but as a German and I am proud of it!” All this must have incensed his visitor. Fjodor Dostoyevsky had be different and that he is lost. Tranquility: view of Badenweiler spent four years in Siberia, in Dostoyevsky was no theoretician chains. Hot-tempered, he cultivat- – he had sat at gambling tables all burn, it caresses you,” he reports ed the rough, unkempt, passionate over Europe – especially those of to his sister Masha. As a physi- genius that he was. Penniless he Baden-Baden which may well have cian, Chekhov knew that his end was too. Down on his luck again served as the town “Rouletten- was nigh. Nonetheless, as always, and again at the roulette wheel. burg” in The Gambler. he took it upon himself to enter- “He pawned his wedding ring … tain his wife with his fine and but won nothing … later he went to Life’s last page good natured humor. play roulette taking my wedding Good humor was precisely what ring to pawn as well …,” writes Ma- When Anton Chekhov left Mos- the Chekhovs needed. They had Faites votre jeu – Baden-Baden Casino dame Anna Dostoyevskaya in her cow in May 1904, he confided to a booked into the famous Hotel diary. As if their marriage had not friend: “I am travelling to die.” The Römerbad only to discover their by Elisabeth Neu when Baden-Baden had been de- already been stormy enough… great author and humanist, prob- hosts did not want a guest on clared “The Summer Capital of Eu- Money was not the only issue ably the acutest psychologist of their books suffering from con- oulette until six in the rope”. Ever since the Tsar married Turgenjev and Dostoyevsky ar- Classic Russian literature, had sumption – however discreetly evening. Lost every- a princess from Baden in the late gued about. They disagreed over been suffering from tuberculosis Chekhov used his spittoon, as an thing”, notes Leo Tolstoy 18th century, her former home be- principles. Turgenjev was in favor since the age of 24. Chekhov and eyewitness reported. The Chek- on July 14, 1857. He did hovs in turn declared that the ho- Rnot pen these words in Moscow or tel was too crowded and too St Petersburg. It was in Baden- pompous for their taste anyway. Baden that Tolstoy closed his di- Eventually they settled at Hotel ary with a sigh that night. Sommer. When Chekhov felt his In the 19th and early 20th cen- last hour was near, in a final futile tury, two places tucked away deep act of defiance against death, he in the southwest of Germany at- and his wife indulged in a glass of tracted the rich and famous from champagne. Chekhov died on Ju- all over Europe like magnets. ly 15, 1904. Four years later a bust Crowned heads and musicians, in his honor – the first worldwide philosophers and writers – among – was unveiled in the presence of them the crème de la crème of Olga Knipper. On July 15, 1914 a Russian literati: Baden-Baden, the service commemorating the 10th famous spa and gambling capital, anniversary of Chekhov’s death and Badenweiler, its little sister. was held. Once more his widow was present. Only a fortnight lat- er, tragedy struck – WWI begun. Chekhov’s bust was melted down for arms.

Memory and departure

It took a while for the good peo- ple of Badenweiler to make peace with the fact that the great writer had come there to die. But once they had accepted it, they began An oasis of calm: Baden-Baden Trinkhalle (pump house) where visitors can “take the water” as a cure for ailments to appreciate and celebrate their great guest. After all, Chekhov is came all the craze in Russia. “The of Russia orienting itself towards his wife, the famous actress Olga still among the most frequently skies are high here and the Tsar is Western Europe, while Dos- Knipper – “the last page of my life”, performed dramatists in German Fyodor Dostoyevsky far away…” was a popular saying toyevsky maintained that only the as Chekhov called her – decided to theaters. In Badenweiler, a Chek- amongst Russians in Baden-Baden. true Slavic spirit would bring the set up house in Badenweiler. “It is hov archive was founded. The lo- Europe’s summer capital And then there was the casino … desired renewal. They parted as a very original place, to be sure,” cal Chekhov society is doing re- Tolstoy was not the only literary enemies – henceforth harbouring the skeptic Chekhov reports in a markable work to this day. And, The mild climate and the salu- genius to have travelled thou- nothing but bitterness and ill-feel- in the middle of the Cold War, tary benefits of the hot springs sands of miles from Russia to take ing for each other. Badenweiler became the meeting which had already been enjoyed the waters and enjoy the thrill at place for East and West. Then by Romans suffering from rheu- the roulette tables… and to leave Human nature German chancellor Ludwig Er- matism, the gentle air, and lush with empty pockets. They all hard (1963–1966) invited journal- green forests all made Baden- flocked here: the great realist Ivan To be sure, both men knew of the ists from the Soviet Union for the Baden the place to be. The elegant Goncharov and the enthusiastic darker sides of human nature. first time to present the “new” exclusivity, the town’s opulence, young ballad rhymer Vasili Zhu- Even in the wonderful city of Germany. And, when the Iron its cosmopolitan feel, the hub of kovsky. Nikolai Gogol came too Baden-Baden. Turgenjev’s novella Curtain finally fell, Badenweiler the upper crust, was unequalled and observed that “nobody here is Smoke is set here, describing the received a new Chekhov memo- by any other German city. To this seriously ill. They only come to stifling ennui, the avarice and rial, too. It had travelled a long day, Baden-Baden attracts large amuse themselves.” scheming of the wealthy good-for- way – from the island of Sakhalin numbers of visitors. When wan- nothings hanging out there, whilst in the Pacific to Badenweiler. Af- dering along the Corinthian col- Matters of principle Dostoyevsky created in a slim vol- ter a visit to Sakhalin in 1890, umns of the Trinkhalle, the pump ume the most haunting descrip- Chekhov, the doctor and philan- room, or strolling through the Then, on July 10, 1867, two giants tion of an addiction to this day. thropist, forever seeking to better lush gardens and parks of Lich- of Russian literature met in the The Gambler is a powerful render- Anton Chekhov the lot of his fellow men, pleaded tentaler Allee you can sense it – now famed city: Fjodor Dos- ing of man’s self deception, deceit for a reform of the inhuman Rus- that very special Baden-Baden toyevsky and Ivan Turgenev. They of others, greed, and unscrupu- letter. “Quite what makes its origi- sian prison system. A hundred feeling, making you yearn for a took an instant dislike to one an- lousness: “Tomorrow, tomorrow – nality I have not yet been able to years later, the people of Sakhalin time when clothes were sumptu- other. Both as artists and as indi- all will be different,” exclaims the fathom.” He liked Badenweiler found a way to pay their respect ous, manners polished, architec- viduals. Here was Turgenjev, pol- gambler at the end of the story – nonetheless. “If only you knew to Chekhov. In Badenweiler, of

Credit: Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH (2), WernainS, unknown (Dostoyevsky), Nikolaj Poljuschenko Nikolaj unknown (Dostoyevsky), GmbH (2), WernainS, Baden-Baden & Credit: Kur Tourismus ture a feat for the senses. In short, ished, well-mannered, a man of knowing full well that nothing will what the sun here is like. It doesn’t course. ■