OPINION HEIKO MAAS CULTURE Nuclear Th reats Th e M i r a le c Villa Baltic USA: DIFFERENT POLICIES GERMAN-ISRAELI GRAND BUILDING WITH WITH IRAN & N. KOREA FRIENDSHIP A MOVING HISTORY Supplement Israel at 70 PAGE 2 SUPPLEMENT PAGE I PAGE 21 JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY

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ירושלים MIDDLE EAST AND WORLD ECONOMY JERUSALEM LONGING FOR PEACE The Implications of Confl ict

e live in interesting The Shiite mullah regime has been times. The middle of given access to its frozen overseas W this year will be remem- assets. Iran uses the funds to con- bered as a watershed moment in tinue pursuing its aggressive mea- history; May and June 2018 have sures to annihilate Israel – without marked a turning point in world violating the letter of agreement. politics in several respects. Ger- Israel and its moderate Arab many and Israel are particularly neighbor states such as Egypt, aff ected: the two countries should Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have draw the necessary conclusion and warned against the deal to no avail. seek closer collaboration. Iran’s later actions have confi rmed In May, the U.S. moved its em- the accuracy of those warnings. bassy to Jerusalem and recognized Tehran has stepped up its devel- the biblical city as opment pro- the capital of Is- gram for rock- rael. Germany and ets – rockets the EU are united that could be in rejecting this Germany and used as deliv- move. That same “ ery systems for month, the U.S. Israel should nuclear war- withdrew from the heads. Iran has nuclear deal with seek closer also become Iran, which had more deeply Yerushalayim is Hebrew for City of Peace. In Arabic, Al Quds, The Holy One. Also revered by been reached with collaboration involved in Christians. The metropolis is considered holy to three monotheistic religions. For thousands the five perma- the Syrian civ- of years, this city has been the site of war and bloodshed. It is time for Jerusalem to fi nd peace. nent members of the UN Security il war. Tehran’s military advisors Council plus Germany. The goal have gone on the off ensive and of the 2015 agreement was to put fi nally began launching attacks the brakes on Iran’s nuclear weap- on Israel from Syrian soil. At the INTERVIEW ons program. The agreement ad- same time, the Hezbollah terror- dresses only technical details and ist group and Hamas militia in Standing with Israel Jewish Voice Chorus is valid for a period of ten years. Lebanon and Gaza have been en- Germany stands The crucial political dimension – couraged to escalate their pursuits for Israel’s right to Iran’s professed goal of destroying against Israel. exist like no other Dear Readers, Israel’s politics. This is also Israel – has not been addressed. Upon its signing, Donald Trump country, says CDU the case for European Parlia- called the agreement with Iran General Secretary Jewish Voice from Germany ment Member Arne Lietz. the “worst deal ever”. Over Euro- Annegret Kramp- stands for diversity. This pub- We welcome criticism of  FOREIGN AFFAIRS pean objections, he announced Karrenbauer in our lication is not a solo endeavor, the politics of the State of Is-

Nati onal Nuclear Security Administrati on Nevada Site Office Public/ Domain, JVG,AA, cc0 PublicJVG Domain, on Site Nevada onalNuclear SecurityAdministrati Nati his opposition to the agreement. JVG interview. In the German de- but a chorus. It sings with a vari- rael – but not “Israelkritik”, During the election campaign, bate about politics in Israel, ma- ety of voices, from our editorial a form of criticism that calls he stated that he would also take ny overlook the threat that Israel offi ce to our freelancers, inter- into question Israel’s right to action against trade imbalances faces to its existence, notes the view partners, and politicians of exist. The existence of Israel is with other countries. With the Christian Democratic politician, various parties. When we cover also a topic of our discussion European Union European 2016, Peace on Our Doorstep exception of negotiations with who is regarded as a potential a topic of public regarding the EU as mediator in Middle East China, Trump’s endeavors in this successor to Chancellor Merkel. interest, we se- nuclear deal PAGE 5 respect have proved largely fruit- Kramp-Karrenbauer also says lect our authors with Iran less. Trump then backed out of a Germany must take on a greater not based on made by the  HISTORY joint G7 communiqué on trade. By share of international responsibili- religious affi lia- permanent contrast, the U.S. President arrived ty, which will also require increas- tion, but based A forum for members of at an agreement with Kim Jong-un ing military spending. PAGE 4 on expertise. “ the UN Se- in Singapore regarding the cessa- Our supple- discussion curity Coun- tion of hostilities, and accepted the ment honoring cil plus Ger- North Korean dictator’s pledge to SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION the 70th anni- many. We all disarm his nuclear arsenal. Partners in Excellence versary of Israel opens with agree on the goal – Iran should Reparations The U.S. President is not a tra- an article by German For- be prevented from obtaining Adenauer-Goldmann Agreement ditional statesman or diplomat, From 1959 on, research col- eign Minister Heiko Maas. nuclear weapons. But I believe SUPPLEMENT PAGE II but simply engaging in Trump- laboration has smoothed the The Jewish state is dear to his this is only possible if Tehran bashing is not a viable political path for diplomatic relations heart: “I see it as a personal acknowledges the right to ex-  RELIGION course. Instead, we must seek out between Germany and Israel. duty to ensure that Germa- istence of all states, including common ground. This includes a Over the years, the cooperation ny defends Israel’s existence Israel. We see ourselves as a global commitment against tariff s, has grown continuously. For and security.” In our inter- forum for the discussion of a which is necessary to avert a trade the Hebrew University of Jeru- view, CDU General Secretary wide variety of views not ex- war under which the entire world salem, Germany is now its most Annegret Kramp-Karrenbau- clusively on Jewish matters. would suff er. Europe should also significant research partner in er emphasizes her sense of pressure Tehran to abandon its Europe, second worldwide only responsibility towards Jews Best regards, Pioneering Women policy of aggression toward Israel. to the U.S. Now, the two part- in Germany and the State of Rafael Seligmann New cantor invested in Berlin War is looming on the horizon. ners embark on new challenges, Israel. At the same time, she PAGE 24 “May you live in interesting times” from cyber security to deep space expresses criticism regarding

Tobias Barniske, Bundesarchiv, B 145 Bild-P092350 / CC-BY-SA 3.0 / htt ps://creati vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en, vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en, ps://creati 3.0 / htt B 145 Bild-P092350 / CC-BY-SA Bundesarchiv, Barniske, Tobias is not a blessing – it is a curse. ■ radiation. SUPPLEMENT PAGE VII 2 | OPINION JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | JULY 2018

NUCLEAR DEAL REVISITED Iran Must Accept Peace and Israel’s Right to Exist Breaking up Tehran’s two-pronged strategy

By Rafael Seligmann as the Shiite vanguard in the battle for supremacy over the he advocates of a policy Sunni majority in the Islamic of peace at any cost are world. Above all, however, T claiming the result of the Tehran aims to wipe the “Zi- summit meeting between Presi- onist cancer” of Israel off the dent Donald Trump and North map. The two strategic goals Korean dictator Kim Jong-un are linked. By threatening the supports their position. They Jewish state and purporting point out that Kim has agreed to spearhead the fi ght against to halt nuclear weapons produc- Israel, Tehran seeks to attain tion. President Trump is boast- hegemony in the ummah of ing that it was his hardline ap- the Islamic world. Tehran insisted on maintain- funds to intensify its political bin Salman, who is prepared to proach that convinced Kim to Over the past few decades, it ing its political and religious tra- and military activities in the reach a settlement with Israel, is cease his nuclear threats and has become clear that Tehran’s jectory. And the western states, Arab world. Tehran gained not willing to allow his country to perhaps even agree to dismantle activities would eventually re- including Germany – whose dominant infl uence in Iraq. In be needled and attacked by Iran. his nuclear weapons program. sult in the development and Chancellor, Angela Merkel, de- Lebanon, the Hezbollah militia, Riyadh and the UAE are defend- Others see the agreement be- construction of nuclear weap- scribed Israel’s security as part which receive political and mili- ing themselves against Iran’s at- tween Trump and Kim as con- ons. The world powers then em- of the German state’s raison tary support from Iran, gained tacks. Israel is responding to Iran’s vincing evidence in support of barked on a program of contain- d’être in a 2008 address before power, as did the Sunni Hamas attacks from Syrian soil with mas- the nuclear deal between Iran ment. By promising to release up the Knesset – acceded to Teh- group in Gaza. In the Syrian civil sive military strikes against Teh- and the permanent members to $100 bn in frozen assets and ran’s vehement demand. war, Iran supplied military advi- ran’s outposts in Syria. The goals of the UN security council plus to loosen and ultimately elimi- sors, mercenaries, and funds in of the P5 + 1 deal have been stood Germany. Donald Trump, who nate sanctions, the P5 + 1 group Overarching goal support of dictator Bashar al- on their head. Instead of bringing has just withdrawn from the induced Iran to agree to at least Assad. In Yemen, Tehran egged peace to the region, Tehran has deal, disagrees. He has called scale back its nuclear weapons The result was the nuclear deal on the Houthi militia in their been provided with the means to the agreement “the worst deal program. However, Tehran vehe- of 2015. Iran reduced the num- battle for dominance and en- escalate its pursuits against Israel ever” – and with good reason, for mently rejected the West’s sug- ber of centrifuges for enrich- couraged their attacks on Saudi and Sunni countries. the Iran deal has a fatal fl aw. A gestion that it acknowledge Is- ing uranium and lengthened Arabia. These measures are all The overarching goal of the political defi cit. The 2015 agree- rael’s right to exist and diminish its break-out time – the time it intended to destabilize the Sun- nuclear deal is a good one. But ment is purely technical. The its military activity in the region. would take to have enough ura- ni monarchy. At the same time, it can only be realized if Iran’s mullah regime, which has been Israel and the moderate Arab nium to manufacture a nuclear Tehran intensifi ed its rocket leadership is compelled by the in power since 1979, stepped up states, particularly Saudi Arabia bomb – to a year. In return, program for the transport of P5 + 1 to acknowledge the right its nuclear program in the 1990s. and Egypt, appealed to Wash- frozen Iranian assets were re- nuclear weapons. to existence of all other coun- Tehran’s political goals are also ington and to European govern- leased and sanctions were lift- Iran also stepped up its attacks tries. Peace is not just a mere dictated by religious and nation- ments to put the brakes on Iran’s ed – against the wishes of the on the countries it has deemed technicality. It is a fundamental alist principles. The post-revo- political and military activities as aff ected Arab states and Israel. enemies – Israel and Saudi Arabia. political decision, and one which lutionary regime regards itself part of the deal. In vain. Iran immediately deployed the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Iran must also respect. ■ Office Public/ Domain on Site Nevada onalNuclear SecurityAdministrati Nati

Moral Conviction vs. Responsibility Tackling the dilemma behind the refugee crisis

By Frank Bernbeck tries, the former “St. Louis” passengers perative that they be rescued and quick- well-meaning aid organizations that res- were again in great peril. More than 200 ly brought to safety. With regard to the cue them must come to an end. Anyone he recent odysseys of the “Aquari- of them were murdered. “Aquarius”, the new Italian government’s who wishes to not just provide emergen- us” and “Lifeline” rescue ships car- Most of the people who now hope to decision not to allow the ship to dock was cy aid to African refugees but also of- T rying African refugees and the dis- leave Africa for Europe are not fl eeing im- indeed heartless, but Rome is justifi ed in fer them long-term assistance must also pute over their docking is reminiscent of mediate danger to life. They are seeking calling on Europe to address the ongoing explain how these measures are to be fi - the fate of the “St. Louis”, which carried to improve their economic conditions. conditions along the Mediterranean mi- nanced and organized without placing more than 900 Jewish refugees in 1939. This is understandable given the pov- grant route. The number of Africans who an undue burden on the countries that The fi rst human impulse is take them in. In the end, we Make the future intelligent to rescue African refugees 1939: The “St. Louis” at Hamburg port 2018: The “Aquarius” fi nd ourselves in a confl ict be- from immediate danger. tween an ethic of moral con- The next is to provide them viction and an ethic of respon- Tomorrow’s mobility will be totally diff erent than today’s. Daimler is helping with durable assistance. Ne- sibility. Either we provide cessity knows no law. unconditional assistance, or to shape this change: with the intelligent development of our products in the fi elds Let us compare the two politicians must also consider situations. There are diff er- the limits of what is feasible. of Connectivity, Autonomous Driving, Shared & Services and Electric Powertrains. ences between the situation This is a worldwide dilem- regarding European Jews in ma and an intractable one. www.daimler.com 1939 and African refugees to- Some 40,000 Africans have day. The Jews who departed fl ed to Israel. Most live in Hamburg on board the “St. the poorer neighborhoods of Louis” faced persecution south Tel Aviv, where some and later annihilation. Their have come into confl ict with

voyage, in which they were Public Domain the local community. At- refused permission to land tempts by the Israeli govern- by Cuba and then by the U.S., is today erty and hardship many people in Afri- are awarded asylum status in Europe is ment to encourage African migrants to remembered as an example of the indif- ca are exposed to. But the refugees are so low that we would be best advised to return to their home countries by of- ference of the world to the likely fate of not risking their lives until they embark take action to prevent people from em- fering them cash assistance have failed. its passengers. The people on board later across the desert and set out on the per- barking on the dangerous journey across So has a plan to forcibly deport them, found temporary refuge in states such as ilous voyage across the Mediterranean the Mediterranean. which was suspended by Israel’s high Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. in infl atable vessels and decrepit fi shing The interplay between traffi ckers that court. In the end, compassion won out

But when the Nazis occupied those coun- boats. Still, once on the open sea, it is im- lure people out onto the open sea and over populism. ■ vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/legalcode ps://creati Ra Boe / Wikipedia Ra Boe (Ship) / 2012 04 Wikipedia, htt Aquarius by-RaBoe (alt Meerkatze) 4 | INTERVIEW JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | JULY 2018 JULY 2018 | JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY POLITICS | 5

ANNEGRET KRAMP-KARRENBAUER FOREIGN POLICY Germany Must Stand With Israel Peace on Our Doorstep CDU General Secretary on foreign policy, immigration, and populism How the EU can contribute to the peace process in the Middle East

e are witnesses to a time origins of those terms. It was one of those By Arne Lietz ditions of Palestinian refugees manitarian aid to the region. in which the world order is small initiatives that really managed to get and the stability of the status This has to be the fi rst prior- being transformed and in people thinking and to learn something he peace process in the quo. I am glad to have reached ity and is supported by a Eu- which international rela- new. Our political approach is that we don’t Middle East is a core is- a broad cross-party consensus ropean Parliament resolution tionsW have lost some measure of stability. only seek to combat anti-Semitism; we also T sue for European for- in the European Parliament passed on April 18, 2018. How will the CDU and the German gov- show Jewish life in Germany as it is today. eign aff airs. The EU is Israel’s while negotiating a resolution In 2015, the EU made essential ernment respond? main trade partner and one of in February 2018, condemning contributions to the conclusion In terms of foreign policy, we are con- In 2008, Angela Merkel stated in an ad- the major contributors to hu- the U.S. decision and calling on of the Iran deal, an agreement fronted with a U.S. president who is as- dress before the Knesset that Israel’s manitarian aid in the region. Member States to fast-track and which to this day is a guarantor serting his country’s national interests. security will never be open for negotia- U.S. President Donald Trump’s increase their funding for UN- for stability and peace in the re- This means we must defend our own in- tion. Seven years later, an agreement was decision to move the U.S. em- WRA in order to ensure contin- gion. The U.S. announcement terests with vigor. Where we can identify signed with Iran in which Israel’s right to bassy to Jerusalem – a decision uous aid to Palestinian refugees. to leave the deal has led to ten- points of weakness, we must eliminate exist, as well as the right of Saudi Arabia which was rightly broadly criti- Whilst Israel’s right to exist sions and insecurity in the re- them. It is also evident that our position and Egypt to exist, was not mentioned. cized by the international com- lies at the core of the EU’s ap- gion. A second priority for the is stronger as part of a unifi ed European How is this possible? Can such an agree- munity – has fuelled further proach to a future peace pro- EU’s engagement in the Mid- response. This is why we must promote ment function as written when one of the violence in Gaza. Since then, cess, so does the concept of a dle East peace process should European unity. Domestically, we must contracting partners wants to destroy an- the EU has been increasingly two-state solution. Recent de- therefore be to make use of all ensure that anti-American sentiments other country and has announced that in- vocal on its position regard- velopments have shown that diplomatic tools available in do not gain force, irrespective of the tone tention publicly? ing a peace process between we need a much stronger push order to maintain the Iran deal. emanating from the White House. We Of course, opinions vary on whether the Israel and Palestine. This has, for political reconciliation be- European policy makers and must make clear that we continue to val- deal is a good one or not. But overall, I be- however, not led to meaningful tween Israel and Palestine if Member States should make it ue our transatlantic friendship. And we lieve that it is better to have a set of rules progress in the process. On the peace in the Middle East is to very clear to their U.S. counter- must make clear that this friendship is too that acts as a check on such a development contrary; the EU and its Mem- be achieved. The EU should parts that leaving the Iran deal strong and multifaceted to be threatened and perhaps even prevents it. Angela Merkel ber States have been observ- take a strong stance toward will have severe consequences or undermined by the actions of a single said that Israel’s security is part of Germany’s ing with growing worry how Israel with regards to compli- for transatlantic relations, and

U.S. president. raison d’être. And that raison d’être must be the situation has become more vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ ps://creati 4.0 / htt / Wikimedia Cacahuate / (CC BY-SA ance with international law. that repercussions are diffi cult made evident anytime Germany engages in and more critical over the past This would include impartial to foresee. How can we prepare German society for political debates about current political is- two years. tinians through UNRWA has representatives of the military, investigations of the violence During visits to Berlin, Paris, the fact that defense spending will need to sues in Israel. We must always make clear Donald Trump’s decision to increased the risk of further de- have criticized this approach as and killings in the Gaza strip and London in June 2018, Isra- be increased? that there is a very good reason why Germa- withdraw existential funding stabilizing the situation. Even they, too, see the devastating ef- over the past few weeks, as eli Prime Minister To begin with, we must raise awareness ny, in particular, must stand behind Israel’s of humanitarian aid to Pales- Israeli voices, such as leading fect it has had on the living con- well as the re-admission of hu- Benjamin Netanyahu  PAGE 6 regarding the fact that the traditional di- right to exist. The Iran deal is surely not the vision between domestic and foreign pol- most optimal deal in the world, and I believe icy no longer holds true. Everything that that improvements are urgently needed. Ma- happens elsewhere – for example, in Syria ny people who discuss Israeli politics here in – has a direct impact on Europe and on Germany tend to ignore how isolated Israel is Germany. The second point is that Ger- in the region, and the threats Israel faces to many must overcome its restraint in terms its existence. We must constantly point out of foreign policy – this includes our de- that many of the issues under discussion are fense policy and our alliance policy as well. existential questions for Israel. This is what Our partners rightly expect us to assume makes Israel’s situation decisively diff erent Your future greater responsibility in these areas. And from that of other states. assuming a greater share of responsibility will also mean increasing spending. The German-American friendship Under the circumstances, was it wise to is also ours. cancel the annual German-Israeli govern- The AfD won 27% of the vote in Saxony. “ ment consultation last year in response to Are we running out of time to counter their is too strong and multifaceted to Israel’s settlement policy? Our innovations help cities use less radical slogans and simplistic answers? My impression is that the new foreign min- energy, make the air we breathe We need to engage with this issue and be threatened or undermined ister is taking a diff erent approach toward Is- wage this battle every single day. That rael, and that is what matters. This approach cleaner and turn electric transport into means providing evidence that what is now the correct one. The fact that one of a practical reality. That’s why at BASF, the populists are claiming simply isn’t Because of the fundamentalist-Islamic How can we raise awareness about the Heiko Maas’ fi rst trips abroad as Foreign Min- we’re optimistic about the future. true. And we must be very clear and un- threat that became apparent in this coun- German-Jewish symbiosis now, 1,700 ister was to Israel sends a very clear signal. equivocal in our political engagement. try after 2015, Germany has suddenly be- years on? For me, this means the CDU must be gun to refl ect on its Judeo-Christian tradi- In our campaign, “From Shabbat to Shab- The U.S. has recognized Jerusalem as the Find out more at very forthright in pointing out what the tion, which has in fact shaped this country bat”, the Young Union [the party’s youth capital of Israel. This has provoked mas- wecreatechemistry.com AfD is all about, and what elements it for 1,700 years… organization] had a very nice approach. sive resistance, also in Germany. But Jeru- is harboring. Those include radical el- Because of the people who have ar- They established an online site in which salem was already the capital of Judea in ements on the far right that are anti- rived in our country since 2015, and they explained the Jewish origins of many biblical times, and has been the capital of also prior to that, we have terms that we use every day, such as Israel for 70 years… gained a public awareness “techtelmechtel” and “guter We continue to support a two-state solu- that these are people who Rutch.” Many people tion. Whether the decision to move the U.S. come from a very diff erent weren’t aware of the embassy under the current circumstances is cultural background, tra- helpful or less than helpful in achieving this dition, and faith. This has goal is a matter of debate. Personally, I would compelled us to refl ect. It is very much like to see Jerusalem, which has like a mirror. We can see the always been a very special city for people of others in that mirror, but we many diff erent religions, succeed in embody- also see a refl ection of our- ing its unifying character more strongly than selves. The question then is currently the case. I would very much like arises: if that’s who they are, to see Jerusalem become a symbol for then who are we? We are be- our ability to coexist and live side by ing asked to defi ne who we side as people of various faiths. Quite are. When it comes to inte- often, this is indeed already the case JVG (3) JVG grating newcomers and to despite what some newspaper head- living together in our com- lines would have us believe. ■ Semitic, that support historical revi- munity, we have the right to demand sionism, and that are racist. We must that people who come to our country Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer ensure that no one will ever be able to accept our rules and values. But this re- talked to JVG editors Elisabeth Neu claim they did not realize this part of quires that we ourselves know what our and Rafael Seligmann at the CDU what the AfD is about. rules and values actually are. headquarters in Berlin 6 | POLITICS/ECONOMY JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | JULY 2018 JULY 2018 | JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY ECONOMY | 7

Peace on Our Doorstep THE SPUDY COLUMN ITALY

 PAGE 5 has met with Eu- Member States’ commit- more essential since the war initiate a process for develop- Medical Technology Too Big to Fail? ropean leaders ment to the EU’s foreign af- has exceeded national inter- ing a future for reconstruct- who were consistent in their fairs agenda, and avoiding est versus the interest of re- ing Syria. A politically stable Collapse of the fi nancial system would cause devastating consequences response to Israel’s approach single-handed strategies by bellious groups. It has also Syrian environment will be Healthcare is a market with to the potential cancellation individual Member States turned into a war which is crucial to peace and security enormous potential – for ser- of the Iran deal. All of them or breaking with the EU’s supported by many interna- in the whole region. vice providers, industry, and By Dieter Sattler emergency as they once did for Greece. The Middle East is part of last but not least, for investors. Alternatively, politicians in Rome have the EU’s wider neighbor- The world’s population is ag- oo big to fail” was the justifi cation threatened for Italy to leave the euro- hood, and is therefore an ing, and chronic diseases are given for saving the big banks dur- zone, which would lead to an excruciat- integral part of the EU’s for- growing ever more common. T ing the fi nancial crisis, since their ing default. The Italian Minister of Eu- eign agenda. I support this Industrialized countries are collapse was considered to pose too much ropean Aff airs, Paolo Savona, announced “For the European voice to be heard on the agenda which is built on re- spending more and more on of a risk for a nation’s economy. Those this as a plan B in case the EU fails to spect for international law, their healthcare systems and af- on the verge of bankruptcy were conse- provide aid to Rome. global stage, it has to be a strong, unifi ed voice human rights, reconciliation, fl uent patients are increasingly quently often saved through tax means. and political solutions to con- willing to invest in diagnosis Now, the EU state of Italy could also Carrot and stick fl icts as well as building up and therapy. prove too large to be left behind. Eco- have called for the deal to common policy line in the tional actors, such as Rus- resilience. The peace process At the same time, new devel- nomic downfall for the southern-Euro- The populist political coalition won’t remain in place and have re- Middle East. sia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Tur- in the Middle East has to be opments such as genetic and pean country would have devastating simply give into Brussels and Berlin. Simi- minded Netanyahu how cru- This is of equal importance key, and Israel, each with supported with every diplo- stem cell technology, big da- consequences for the entire eurozone; larly to U.S. President Donald Trump, the cial it is to the region’s sta- regarding the war in Syria. their diff erent interests in matic and political tool avail- ta, artifi cial intelligence, and the crisis in Greece would have seemed Five Stars and Lega feel not only empow- bility, displaying coherence The EU has proven to be an the confl ict. able to European nanotechnology are expand- like a mild breeze in comparison. Italy’s ered by voters but set on granting their with the European position effi cient and inclusive driver At the same policy-makers. ■ ing the possibilities of mod- economy is the third-strongest in Eu- requests. Both parties organized their in their bilateral relations. of multilateral negotiations time, under the ern medicine beyond what we rope, but its national debt of 130% of its campaign largely to agitate the “Euro-

For the European voice to in the past. It should con- leadership of Arne Lietz is could have imagined only a few Gross Domestic Product (twice as much as Diktat” of Brussels and Germany. erstock.com / duchy shutt be heard continuously on the tinue to live up to this role the United Na- member of the years ago. Technology compa- in Germany and 25% more than in France) Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and Bel paese? The Beauti ful Country in trouble global stage in the negotia- by reinforcing its eff orts to tions and with European Parlia- nies such as Apple, Alphabet, is crushing. Rather than preventing bank- her Minister of Finance Olaf Scholz tions on peace in the Middle get the diff erent parties in- the assistance ment, focusing and Amazon are now also join- ruptcy with saving, the new political coali- (SPD) know that it would be ineff ective programs. Scholz supported this a few ted from the low interest in the euro- East, it has to be a strong, volved back to the negotia- of the European mainly on Foreign ing in. Investors who wish to tion between left-populist Five Star Move- under these circumstances to heal Italy days later and mentioned a European zone and was able to stabilize its debt unifi ed voice. The third pri- tion table in Geneva. A polit- Union’s political Aff airs, Develop- get on board with these devel- ment and right-populist Lega plans to take by issuing outside regulations. Converse- fund for unemployment insurance in the at 120% of its GDP. In recent years, the ority for the EU’s contribu- ical solution is the only way forces, the inter- ment, Transatlantic opments may elect to invest in a diff erent approach. The administration ly, they cannot grant Italy a blank check event that a country, such as Italy, can’t debt has markedly surged. tion to peace in the Middle peace can be reintroduced national com- Aff airs and Security an ETF – one, for example, that of independent Prime Minister Giuseppe for recent debts and are therefore trying manage this on its own. Italy shouldn’t expect too much com-

East to this end includes the to the country – this is even munity has to Union European 2016 and Defense tracks the MSCI World Health Conte announced intentions to reduce a carrot-and-stick approach. Merkel re- It is still questionable whether these passion from EU citizens in the north, Care Index. taxes, increase investments, and reduce the cently remarked that solidarity “should relatively modest measures will really since the private assets of Italian citi- As is the case in most business duration of working life. The annual costs never lead to a debt union.” At the same solve Italy’s problems. This country zens amount to a higher value than in sectors, however, direct invest- of the planned measures are estimated at time, she declared her intention to co- has a habit of debt; Italy had only been Germany and certainly more than in JEWS ON TRUMP ment in inno- 80 to 120 bn euros. This will undoubtedly operate: “I am prepared to discuss with admitted to the European Community the Baltic or Eastern European coun- vative compa- lead to even more serious debts. the Italian government how more young because it had lowered its debt ratio tries. At this point, EU citizens are ask- nies is a more Rome appears to believe the ECB and people can fi nd work.” To that end, she to the required 120% of its GDP. In the ing why they should fi nance the nice interesting op- EU partners will save Italy in case of hinted at the possibility of investment early years of the euro, Italy benefi t- lives of Italians. ■ Division or Indecision? tion, particu- larly for more A breakdown of approval rating polls reveals discrepancies substantial in- vestments. The

medical tech- www.spudy.com By Julia Harris over the decision to move the nology sector U.S. embassy in Israel, with is an attractive choice, in part s it good or bad for the 47% opposing and 46% sup- because it is less risky than the Jews? This often-asked porting it. The decision on the pharmaceutical industry. A I and almost comical ques- Iran deal also yielded mixed long-time engine of growth in tion has increasingly become reactions; 49% of Jews agreed the healthcare sector, medical a topic of debate in the era with it, 31% disagreed, and technology is currently enjoy- of Trump. The actions of the the rest didn’t know. Overall, ing renewed momentum and U.S. President’s administra- these polls reveal that Ameri- dynamism due to the impact tion have aff ected how Jews can Jews overwhelmingly do of digitalization. Apps, artifi - around the world view him, not support Trump but are cial intelligence, laser and sen- but more so in Israel than in divided on some of his deci- sor technology, mixed reality, the U.S. sions concerning Israel. Nev- and telemedicine are benefi ting Serving everyone In today’s ever-changing po- ertheless, these opinions do both physicians and patients, litical climate, the Jewish per- not represent those of Jews in and are blurring the boundary means serving every spective on Trump is diffi cult other parts of the world. Trav- / Public of Department Domain State States United between medicine and lifestyle to gauge. Two of his most con- el east to the Jewish Home- trends. troversial decisions since tak- land, and the results will be the American embassy to Jeru- called for the annihilation of Is- But in the current gold rush, single one. ing offi ce include announcing vastly diff erent. salem, 85% of Israeli Jews sup- rael in the midst of talks, so for selecting the most promising that the U.S. embassy in Isra- port the decision; an even more them, Trump’s decision is both investment opportunities from el would be moving from Tel Making an impression consistent majority of 93% sup- a relief and a triumph. Reloca- the wealth of startups isn’t easy. We are the postal service for 82 million people in Aviv to Jerusalem and with- port the U.S. pulling out of the tion of the U.S. embassy has al- Demographic developments Germany. And every day we give our all for every drawing the U.S. from the Prior to the 2016 election, Is- Iran nuclear deal. so been a long time coming, as provide a solid and sustainable single one of them. Whatever the weather, our Iran nuclear deal. These deci- raeli Jews seemed skeptical of These disparities are signifi - it had originally been promised basis for the medical technol- cant, raising the question of by the Clinton administration ogy sector, and one which is 88,000 mail carriers and 20,000 parcel carriers are how they came to be. Those over 20 years ago. Supporters relatively impervious to cycli- out and about across the country, making sure who oppose Trump point to acknowledge that Trump is im- cal economic trends. However, that 59 million letters and almost 4,6 million parcels his routinely misleading com- perfect, but his familial ties to health policy decisions could “ Many Jews became opposed to the ments, racist and misogynistic Jews and the appointment of create – or eliminate – mass safely reach their recipients the day after being ̕ remarks from the past, relation- Jared Kushner as a top aide may markets for specifi c therapies posted. With this unique service, our carriers make Iran nuclear deal. For them, Trumps ships with leaders who have ex- be seen to them as redeeming. virtually overnight. Investors Deutsche Post the postal service for Germany. pressed anti-Semitism, and his In the end, the disagreement risk fi nding themselves side- decision is both a relief and a triumph failure to denounce the Neo- about Trump is a matter of val- lined. For this reason, indi- Nazis whose violence in Char- ues and, perhaps, slight cultur- vidual investors would be well deutschepost.de sions, however momentous, Trump. According to a poll from lottesville killed one and hos- al diff erences. Although Presi- advised to seek expert advice have had a negligible impact August 2016, 43% favored Clin- pitalized many others. Trump dent Trump still has more than from the fi elds of medicine, on the opinions of American ton while 34% favored Trump. supporters, on the other hand, two years left in his fi rst term health industry, and health Jews regarding Trump. The However, in the wake of recent draw attention to his commit- of offi ce, the questions remain policy both before and during President’s approval rating events, Trump now holds a 59% ment to Jewish and pro-Israel of whether support for Trump the investment process. ■ sits at 26% among Jews in the approval rating among Jews in values, including his aforemen- will continue to rise in Israel U.S., a 1% drop from when he Israel – more than double his tioned decisions as President: and decline in the States, and Jens Spudy is executive partner took offi ce. Another survey approval rating among Jews in many Jews became opposed to how this will aff ect his cam- of Spudy Family Offi ce found American Jews divided the States. On the relocation of the Iran nuclear deal when Iran paign for reelection. ■

180622_DP_Jewish_Voice_Germany_Deutschland-von-oben_250x180_engl.indd 1 22.06.18 12:34 JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY

SUPPLEMENT JULY 2018 Israel at 70 

READY FOR NEW MARKETS Dscover opportuntes nd row our busness n Germn

Beneft from our servces

Mret nlses nd ndustr reports A Message from Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on the 70th Anniversary of Israeli Independence

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Incentves nd fnncn nformton Germany and Israel Are United by a True Friendship

Ste selecton nd prtner coordnton n 14 May 1948, Da- dards in any way here, survivors, who invited me to celebrate in miracles.” Some say that peace in the vid Ben-Gurion, and I will do my utmost Passover with them at the Amcha Cen- Middle East would be a miracle. Then I who later became to guarantee this. tre in Jerusalem. These people put into must be a realist as defi ned by David Ben- the fi rst Prime Min- The fact that Germa- practice what Amos Oz once expressed Gurion, for I believe in a just peace, in Oister of Israel, read out the ny is now once again as follows: “The past is always present which Israel’s existence and security are Declaration of Independence home to a vibrant Jew- and will always remain present, but we guaranteed and Israelis and Palestinians of the State of Israel in Tel ish community is a rea- must remember that the past belongs to can live side by side in peace in two states. Aviv Museum. Following the son for us Germans to us – we do not belong to the past.” On the 70th anniversary of the foun- Shoah, the Germans’ terrible rejoice and be grateful. In this spirit, we must keep memory dation of Israel, we want to make the crime against humanity, the Just a few days ago, we alive. We must never forget what hap- friendship between Israel and Germany dream of a Jewish state fi nally celebrated the laying pened to the victims of the Holocaust. even closer and to show people in our More nformton t came true. of a foundation stone In awareness of the past and the respon- two countries just how wide ranging Seventy years later, the “Jew- for a new Jewish edu- sibility arising from it, we can then ask and diverse our ties are. That is why wwwt com ish Voice from Germany” has cation centre in the ourselves the following questions, which we are supporting a large number of invited the German Foreign heart of Berlin. are important to both our societies now events in Israel and Germany at which Minister to mark this anni- But I also want to and in the future. the great range of ties that already unite versary by writing a message for a spe- state clearly that it is unacceptable and How should we deal with populism us in the spheres of politics, the arts, cial edition. This gesture alone shows the a cause of shame for our country that and division in societies? culture, academia and business will be- long road that Germany and Israel have Jewish schools and institutions in Ger- How do we ensure cohesion? come even closer. After all, our friend- travelled together over the past 70 years. many still need police protection, that What risks and opportunities arise ship, which is wonderful in the truest Germany and Israel are now united young men are beaten up on the streets from the spread of digital technology? sense of the word, thrives on the inter-

/ (CC BY 2.5) / htt ps://creati vecommons.org/licenses/ Octavio Ruiz Cervera / 4535427188_b3a7ef6f00_o / Flickr / (CC BY-SA 2.0) / Att ributi on-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic / htt ps://creati vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ by/2.5/deed.en, Zairon / Wikimedia / (CC BY-SA 4.0) / htt ps://creati vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en ps://creati htt / 4.0) BY-SA (CC / Wikimedia / Zairon by/2.5/deed.en, vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ /ps://creati htt Generic 2.0 on-ShareAlike Att ributi / 2.0) BY-SA / (CC / Flickr / 4535427188_b3a7ef6f00_o Cervera Ruiz Octavio vecommons.org/licenses/ ps://creati htt / 2.5) BY (CC / by a true friendship, and I would like in broad daylight simply because they How do we maintain scope for open action between Germans and Israelis in to thank the countless people in both are wearing a kippah, and that prizes are societies in view of hostility from inside awareness of the horrors of the past and countries who have nurtured it. Based awarded for anti-Semitic provocations. and outside? with the desire to build a bright future on forgiveness, this friendship is a pre- There is no room in Germany for anti- These are all topics where we want to for the generations to come. cious gift for us Germans. Semitism and we fi rmly reject it in any learn from one another and work togeth- The friendship between Germany and The unbearable crime of the Shoah form. Our responsibility to protect Jewish er to fi nd solutions. Israel shows that miracles are possible in that was committed by Germans against life will never end. That is another reason When a state celebrates its 70th birth- the course of history. Let us keep work- Jews does not only create a profound his- why the decision to create the position day, it can still be considered young. ing together on this miracle! ■ toric responsibility for our country. It al- of a Federal Government Commissioner However, the past 70 years were by no so forms a crucial motivation for my own for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight means easy for Israel – the young state political work. In my inaugural speech as against anti-Semitism was right and in- had a diffi cult youth and had to learn to Foreign Minister, I said: “I went into poli- deed overdue. This offi ce amalgamates the stand on its own feet very quickly. My tics because of Auschwitz.” Federal Government’s measures, serves as main hope for Israel, therefore, is that I see it as a personal duty to ensure that a point of contact for Jewish groups, and the next 70 years will be peaceful for Germany defends Israel’s existence and identifi es and points out shortcomings in the country in both its domestic and security and takes a fi rm stance against dealing with anti-Semitism. foreign relations. all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, During my fi rst visit to Israel as For- That was always David Ben-Gurion’s both in Germany itself and worldwide. eign Minister in March, I was particular- dream. And he also said that “in Israel, We cannot and must not lower our stan- ly moved by my meeting with Holocaust in order to be a realist, you must believe

CONTENTS

Shalom & Salaam ברוכים הבאים לישראל Making Aliyah Let My People Go Innovation & Science Young German moves to Israel Land of immigrants Israeli-German cooperation Welcome to the Promised Land No alternative to peace PAGE III PAGE VI PAGE VII PAGE VII PAGE VIII Private, AA, Aleksandar Todorovic / shutt erstock.com, asharkyu / shutt erstock.com, Mikhail / shutt erstock.com, Nati onal Photo Collecti on / Public Domain, Domain, / Public on Nati Collecti Photo onal erstock.com, / shutt Mikhail erstock.com, shutt / asharkyu erstock.com, shutt / Todorovic Aleksandar AA, Private,

2018-06_AZJewish-Voice_RZ.indd 1 21.06.18 13:21 II | ISRAEL AT 70 SUPPLEMENT | 2018 2018 | SUPPLEMENT | III

GERMAN-ISRAELI REPARATIONS Historic Agreement Between Adenauer and Goldmann Payments allowed Bonn to earn reputation and Jerusalem to help survivors

By Dieter Sattler so many homeless Jewish refu- In light of growing interna- By Sarah Fantl gees, to bring about a solution tional pressure, Adenauer re- n history, singular personalities to the reparations problem, and alized that his desire to reha- alagan. This was one of sometimes play decisive roles. This so to help ease the way to spiri- bilitate Germany in the eyes the first Hebrew words was certainly the case with Konrad tual settlement of infinite suf- of the world was in jeopardy. I learned in Israel. A Adenauer, David Ben-Gurion, and fering.” He allowed his lead negotia- very important word, INahum Goldmann. To pave the way for concrete tor, Franz Böhm, to convince Bit translates roughly as “chaos” After the founding of Israel in 1948, negotiations, Adenauer went him to honor his moral obli- – a rather apt description for the Jewish state was in dire need. Sur- to London on December 6, gation. the spirit of the country. Back vivors of the concentration camps and 1951 for a secret meeting with On September 10, 1952, the in Germany, the summer sky Jewish refugees from Arab states were Nahum Goldmann. Goldmann Luxembourg Agreement was was a chaotic tangle of thunder pouring into the country. This was the was President of the World signed by Konrad Adenau- and lightning. Here, the rocket background for demanding material Jewish Congress and head of er, Israeli Foreign Minister app on my smartphone flashed compensation from Germany although the Jewish Claims Conference, Moshe Sharett, and Nahum its hourly updates. In and of many survivors, who wanted nothing which he had helped found ear- Goldmann on behalf of the itself, that would not be news- more to do with “German murderers,” lier that year and which repre- Claims Conference. The Fed- worthy. But that night brought vehemently rejected this plan. sented the interests of Jews in Goldmann, Adenauer, and Ben-Gurion, with Moshe Dayan in the background eral Republic of Germany some 70 rocket attacks: day- Nonetheless, to secure the country’s undertook paying the State of Israel an cares and residential buildings existence, the Israeli government un- amount of 3 bn deutschmarks over 12 to were hit; soldiers were injured. der David Ben-Gurion had little choice 14 years. Another $450 million would be After 24 hours, a momentary

but to signal its willingness to negotiate paid to the Claims Conference to help quiet returned to the border at vvvita / shuterstock.com with Germany. This was highly contro- support, resettle, and integrate Jewish Gaza. Apart from the newspa- versial in Israel. The opposition, under For the first time in the history of the refugees living outside Israel. per headlines, day-to-day life in MAKING ALIYAH the leadership of Menachem Begin of the “ Israel seemed much as always. Herut Party, rejected any negotiations Jewish people, their oppressor and Boon for German companies Chaos is Israel’s everyday nor- over “blood money” with Germany. But mality. The Jewish state may be Ben-Gurion saw no alternative. His for- exploiter must return something of his However, the Luxembourg Agree- celebrating its 70th birthday, Laughing Hearts and Helpful Hands eign minister Moshe Sharett described ment did not become effective imme- but tensions are high. Many Is- the dilemma as follows: “Two contradic- spoils and pay collective compensation diately. It still needed to be approved raelis believe there will soon be tory demands are being articulated by by the Bundestag – where it nearly war. The last war, after all, was A young German calls Israel her home the public, side by side. One calls for no David Ben-Gurion, 1952 failed. There were many “no” votes, already four years ago. negotiations, a total boycott. The other both within Konrad Adenauer’s CDU/ During that night, my phone says: demand reparations from the Ger- CSU parliamentary group and among was illuminated time and time ed the far-right AfD to the berries costs the equivalent of Of course, Israel is not perfect. it continues to press forward. mans. But these two demands cannot the Diaspora. He had been instructed time, as parallel negotiations were un- his coalition partners, the FDP and the again by messages from my Bundestag – a party headed by ten euros, but which will never There are tensions between That is probably one of the both be met (at the same time). We will by Ben-Gurion to propose an amount of derway in London regarding Germany’s Deutsche Partei. In the end, the agree- family and friends. They want- a man who just compared the run short of cheap and tasty Jews of different national back- greatest strengths of this young not receive reparations if we do not ne- $1 bn, the equivalent of 4.2 bn deutsch- pre-war and post-war debts. Germany ment was saved by the SPD, which ed to know if I was all right. If Nazi dictatorship to “bird shit”. falafel. A country where or- grounds and different levels of country: its steadfastness, its gotiate with them.” marks, as the basis for negotiations. Af- hoped to delay the Wassenaar results voted to approve the deal en bloc on I wanted to return home. What From a place where musicians thodox Jews study Torah while observance. Tensions with Pal- refusal to give up. Day in, and ter Goldmann cited that figure and ex- until the extent of its financial obliga- March 18, 1953. It was the Social Demo- most of them don’t under- shamelessly rap about the ema- large gay pride parades take to estinians are ongoing. On top day out. International pressure plained to Adenauer that the reparations tions under the impending London crats who, under the leadership of Otto stand is that Israel is now my ciated bodies of Holocaust vic- the streets of Jerusalem and of that, political scandals, the For Israel’s 100th birthday, our amount must bear a symbolic relation- agreement became clear. Wels, had voted against Adolf Hitler’s home. Not just since that mo- tims – and are then honored Tel Aviv. A country of startups ever-rising cost of living, and only real wish can be the hope The Israeli government ultimately de- ship to the immensity of the crime that The political strategy, advanced “Enabling Act” in 1933; now, they were ment seven months ago, when I with a major music award. And that is ever on the move and a constant threat are faced by for peace. But even after such cided to hold talks with the Federal Re- had been committed, the Chancellor mainly by West German Finance Min- unified in support of an agreement that made Aliyah, became an immi- far away from a capital city in leader in the field of medical the only democracy in this part a short amount of time in this public of Germany, which was founded accepted the offer. On January 9, 1952, ister Fritz Schäffer (CSU) and his chief helped Germany rehabilitate its repu- grant, and began proudly show- which, yet again, a young person research. A country that shrugs of the world. This is also a hot country, it is already becoming in 1949. However, Israel demanded that Ben-Gurion succeeded in passing, with London negotiator, the later Deutsche tation in the world. The decision also ing everyone my new passport. was threatened and attacked in its shoulders at the idea of cus- topic in the international me- clear that this hope is both in- West Germany first issue a sign of good a narrow majority, a Knesset resolution Bank head Hermann Josef Abs, was benefited German industry. The 3 bn Rather, since the moment I first public because he was listening tomer service. Maybe that will dia, which time and time again nocent and naïve. So we must will. This took place on September 27, to commence negotiations. The debate deutschmarks were paid mainly in looked out of the window while to music by Omer Adam – mu- have improved somewhat by 1951. German Chancellor Konrad Ade- that preceded the resolution had been goods and transportation equip- landing, and was overcome by sic that I listen to at full volume next year’s Eurovision Song nauer, who had already spoken out in fa- marked by vehement disagreement and ment. The follow-up orders were the warm and comforting feel- every day, much to the delight Contest – but even if it doesn’t, vor of reparations in an interview shortly protests that were loud enough to be a boon for German companies. ing of returning home. Just five of my neighbors. the laughing hearts, helpful after taking office, made a speech before heard from outside the Knesset’s walls. In the end, Konrad Adenauer’s cal- days later, after gaining a brief hands, and strong shoulders of the Bundestag: “Unspeakable crimes The talks commenced on March 21, culation, which was motivated not impression of the country and Defending our homeland this country will do enough to As you learn more about have been committed in the name of 1952 in the town of Wassenaar, near The only by moral conviction but by polit- its people, and drawing in that make up for that. All this under “ the German people that call for restitu- Hague. The head of the German nego- ical prestige and economic concerns, chaos with every breath, I de- Even beyond that, there is bright blue skies, to the accom- tion, both moral and material in nature. tiating delegation was Frankfurt Uni- proved a success. David Ben-Gurion cided to make Aliyah. No one I the country itself. It’s a small paniment of a soundtrack that this country, you learn not to The government of the Federal Repub- versity dean Franz Böhm, a man with was also satisfied with the results. In was traveling with believed my country that can be crossed by blends honking horns, loud lic is prepared, jointly with representa- a reputation for integrity who, like Ad- a 1952 letter to Nahum Goldmann, decision. But about a year and car in less than seven hours – voices, the rush of the ocean, take everything so seriously

tives of the Jewish people and the State enauer, had resisted the Third Reich. In Public Domain Ben-Gurion wrote: “For the first time a half later, I won the bet – and on a drive that, at some times and the thwack of the ball hit- of Israel, which has opened its doors to Wassenaar, Böhm’s brief was to play for Jews from Yemen on their way to Israel (1949/50) in the history of the Jewish people, 50 euros. of the year, would have you ting the paddle as people enjoy which has been oppressed and exploited The question I have been asked packing both your bikini and the national pastime, matkot. twists reality in favor of atten- content ourselves with hoping Many of the German compensations in kind to Israel arrived at the port of Haifa to link the two negotiations in for centuries … the oppressor and exploit- most, by Germans and Israelis your ski gear. A country that Balagan – there it is again, that tion-grabbing headlines – while that over the next 30 years, the hopes of reducing the scale of er must return something of his spoils and alike, since I packed my four suit- welcomes thousands of immi- word that you learn as soon obdurately refusing to compre- Jewish state will continue to payments to be made by Ger- pay collective compensation for a share of cases in November and boarded grants from all over the world as you arrive. As you begin to hend the conflict itself. Refus- grow and thrive at this breath- many. When Böhm emerged our material losses.” the aircraft, is: “Why?” Why did every year. A country that has learn more about this country, ing to understand that we are less pace. By that time, I will from the Wassenaar negotia- The Luxembourg Agreement, which I leave a well-paying job, a beau- now grown to some 8.8 million you learn not to take every- not the ones doing the attack- have spent more of my life in tions with a reparations amount would not have come to fruition with- tiful apartment, my family and people, where a carton of rasp- thing so seriously. ing, but the ones who are con- Israel than in Germany, and I of 3 bn deutschmarks – less than out the efforts of Nahum Goldmann, also friends, to come here and stantly forced to defend hope that I will look back at a the amount that had been ac- laid the foundation for good relations be- embark on the process our homeland and homes. life as vibrant as the country I cepted by Adenauer as the basis tween Germany and Israel. In 1960, Kon- of building a new life in A functional, growing, am living in. ■ for negotiations – Schäffer and rad Adenauer and David Ben-Gurion met. a country gripped by a vibrant, democratic home. Abs objected. Diplomatic relations were established be- wearying and seemingly All this in just 70 years. It Sarah Fantl is the granddaughter In May 1952, Abs tendered a low- tween West Germany and Israel in 1965. never-ending conflict? is truly remarkable. What of Holocaust survivor and film ball offer to the Israeli negotiator. As a result of this agreement, Germany Because Israel provides are 70 years, after all? Mea- director Thomas Fantl. Following The Waasenaar negotiations were has, to date, paid more than $60 bn in me with a Jewish home sured against a human the completion of her training as to be suspended, and Israel would reparations to Jews. In addition, Germa- and life, far away from lifespan, it is a venerable a journalist at the Axel Springer receive between 100 and 200 mil- ny has contributed twice that amount synagogues that are un- age. But measured against Academy, she worked as an editor lion deutschmarks per year for in compensation for expropriations and der police protection, history, 70 years are noth- in Berlin until she decided to pack three years to help bridge the gap. in other benefits. However, the term from snack-bar own- ing but the blink of an eye. her bags and immigrate to Israel Israel responded with indigna- “compensation” was rejected in Israel. ers and taxi drivers who A brief moment. A breath. seven months ago. She now works tion: it would be immoral for the Israelis instead use the Hebrew terms spit out the words “dirty Israel is still in its infancy, as a freelance reporter in perpetrators to live better than pitzuim (reparations) and shilumim Jewish money.” Far away but has managed to ac- Jerusalem and is writing her first Sarah in Jerusalem StateofIsrael / Flickr / 8115445913_144d6320c5_o / (CC BY-SA 2.0) / / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ Flickr / 8115445913_144d6320c5_o / StateofIsrael (CC BY-SA their victims, they said. (payments). ■ 3.0 / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en B 145 Bild-P092350 / CC-BY-SA Bundesarchiv, from a place that elect- Private complish so much, even as book on her family history IV | ISRAEL AT 70 SUPPLEMENT | 2018 2018 | SUPPLEMENT | V

ENCOUNTERS Different Generation, No Reservation On the optimistic future of the Israeli-German Youth Exchange

In light of the large number of sur- By Franziska Knupper vivors, the Claims Conference draws a great deal of its attention to survivors in ou have read it in the Israel. In 2017 alone, the Claims Confer- papers, you have seen ence paid ongoing compensation pen- it on TV, yet it remains sions to 21,000 survivors in Israel. It also a phenomenon of our fi nances projects such as soup kitchens time:Y around 30,000 Israelis for survivors, funds institutions that are currently live, walk, eat, and dedicated to providing survivors with sit in the apartments, streets, material and social services, and reno- cafés, and bars of Berlin. He- vates and develops facilities in a way brew is being spoken between that is appropriate for the elderly. Hermannstraße and Kottbusser Even traumas can be portrayed as a Tor, between Uhlandstraße and form of continuity, since they have the Rosenthaler Platz. As the State ability – to this day – to leave a mark of Israel celebrates its 70th anni- on and represent a burden for survivors versary, a new generation of Is- of extreme persecution and violence. raelis have returned voluntarily A forum with survivors at AMCHA center in Jerusalem Especially during old age, when social to the Diaspora. The third and bridges such as family, friends or ev- fourth generations see the Ger- JEWISH CLAIMS eryday working life break away, trau- man capital in a completely dif- matizing experiences present a burden. ferent light than their ancestors Zvi Steinitz, who survived Auschwitz- do back home. To them, Berlin Birkenau, Buchenwald, and Sachsen- is a utopia, far away from Mid- Caring for Holocaust Survivors hausen, once said, “I was free on the dle Eastern politics, very close to outside, but on the inside, in my soul, nightclubs, and cheap to live in. did I really feel free?” Today, he lives in “This generation lives a whole Ensuring dignity in old age Tel Aviv and uses social services from new diversity. They all have dif- AMCHA, one of our partner organiza- ferent narratives and various life tions in Israel. With some 20,000 people plans, values and ideas,” says By Rüdiger Mahlo who receive assistance in psychothera- Christine Mähler, director of pies, social activities, and through home ConAct, the German coordina- eah S. sits at a small wooden visits, the number of survivors seeking tion center for exchange proj- table in the living room of her help at AMCHA has doubled over the ects between German and Israeli basement fl at in Tel Aviv. She last ten years. youths. This generation, Mähler continually repeats the words Throughout the course of negotia- continues, is more aware of the

L“bread is life” like a mantra. Since her tions with the Federal Government, fact that they live in a colorful ConAct / Ruthe Zuntz liberation from the concentration camp the Claims Conference has consistently migration society. They know German-Israeli youth congress in Auschwitz, she has always kept at reported the particularly diffi cult liv- that they will have to practice least three loaves of bread in the house. ing conditions of Holocaust survivors complete openness in order to zeichen sends out volunteers to thing that has accompanied me On this sunny February morning, I join and has seen successful results. This is fl ourish. To her, it therefore work in Israeli hospitals and so- my whole life," she says. Since Keren, a partner agency of the Claims why the funding for home-care support does not come as a surprise that cial programs, and Youth Press 2001, the organization has been Conference, during a home visit with the for survivors has been increased time the number of exchange partici- Germany cooperates with peace funding and coordinating about elderly survivor. Leah originally comes and time again over the past few years. pants is constantly on the rise: activists from the Israeli “Peace It took time until German 300 exchange programs each from Czechoslovakia and emigrated to However, the aging group of survivors “Even political disturbances in Now”. Since 2014, German has “ year with an overall number of Israel via Hungary following her libera- also has a increasing need for support the Middle East are not able to also been anchored in the sylla- roughly 7,000 participants from tion. Her husband, also a survivor of the as they grow older. In 2017, our help in change that,” she says. Apart bus of four schools in the great- teenagers felt comfortable both countries. It has created Shoah, was so deeply aff ected by what the area of home-care support reached from a single drop during the er Tel Aviv area. But building some 90 new project partner- he experienced that he was no longer approximately 35,000 survivors of the last Intifada, interest in the oth- and crafting this bridge took running around the beaches ships, and on top of that, funded able to hold down a regular job. Leah Shoah in Israel. Today, around one third er has remained on a steady high seven decades, from the foun- bilateral work aimed at profes- worked as a cleaner to keep the family of all Shoah survivors live in Israel. Ac- for the last fi fteen years. dation of the Jewish state to the of Tel Aviv and Haifa sionals from several aid orga- of fi ve afl oat. Her family could always cording to fi gures from the Israeli bu- Berlin Diaspora of today. It was nizations. ConAct is the inter- rely on her; nowadays, the 94-year-old reau of statistics, some 26,000 survivors Curious young pioneers a long road to travel, and suc- section where everybody from is no longer able to take care of her- cess came only in baby steps. Union (SDS) were the fi rst ones to do with young people mov- the fi eld meets eventually. No self physically or fi nancially. She re- German-Israeli youth ex- Before diplomatic ties between to enter the Holy Land in 1952. ing around. Yet, when asking wonder the Federal Ministry for ceives the regular amount of hours of change is the backbone of the the countries had even been Five years later, the Protestant Christine Mähler from ConAct, Family Aff airs, Senior Citizens, care from the Israeli state health insur- close relationship that the two offi cially established, curious Student Union embarked on a it took Johannes Rau to mark a Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) ance Bituach Leumi, which the Claims The history of reparations and rehabilitation for the countries have built through to- young pioneers took cautious one month trip to Israel, pass- turning point in the history of has increased ConAct´s budget Conference supplements with an addi- “ day. The options and programs steps towards each other. A ing themselves off as a Dutch Israeli-German youth exchange. to a new high of 2.2 million eu- tional nine hours per week. Leah is by are never-ending: the German small number of students from or Swiss travel group. May- As the fi rst German Federal ros per year. no means an outlier. Almost 40% of the victims of National Socialism has been a lengthy battle organization Aktion Sühne- the Socialist German Student be the time was not right for President to ever hold a speech But it’s not enough, stress- survivors worldwide live below the pov- them. Or as a Rudolf Wecker- in front of the Israeli Parliament es Mähler: “Each year we lack erty line in their respective countries for historical truths and the alleviation of injustice ling, one of the initiators of the in the year 2000, he pointed out around 1.5 million euros. We of residence. visit puts it in his travel report, the importance of the young refrain from turning down any “The young Germans surely ones: “I am convinced; if we pass applications but as they are be- Taking action had posed a great imposition to on the memory to the youth and coming more, it means that, in ence, it is far from suffi cient when it ism has been a lengthy battle for historical of the Shoah will still be alive in the year many Israelis.” encourage them to meet, then the end, we will have less money Over the past few years, the Israeli comes to meeting all of the needs for in- truths and the alleviation of injustice. The 2035. They, too, must be able to count It took time until German we will not need to worry about for each one of them.” Accord- government has made every eff ort to home nursing and medical care among NS era cannot simply be reduced to twelve on our support. teenagers felt comfortable run- the future of the relationship be- ing to her, if ConAct is to stay improve the situation for survivors in Holocaust survivors. years of factual dictatorship; this holds An important issue for survivors in Is- ning around the beaches of Tel tween Israel and Germany." eff ective and German-Israeli Israel. The hours of care granted by the Many people are surprised to learn particularly true for the history of injustice rael and across the globe is how the world Aviv and Haifa. And politics Only one year later, Chris- sleepovers are to be intensifi ed, health insurance funds, however, fall that – more than 70 years after their lib- from which persecutees suff ered even after will remember the Holocaust when they obviously needed to catch up tine Mähler and her colleagues there needs to be a proper bi- short of the mark in many cases. The eration – there are still approximately their liberation. There continued to be a are deceased. In the face of rapidly de- with the newborn interest. As a moved into their offi ces in Lu- lateral youth organization. The additional hours of care borne by the 180,000 survivors of the Shoah living in number of people who adopted a mental- clining societies in Europe, many survi- result, the Knesset created the therstadt Wittenberg. The head network has to be tighter and Claims Conference enable a tangible Israel alone. Some immigrated to Israel ity of shutting their eyes to, or repressing, vors fear that the history of the Holocaust Public Council for Youth Ex- of ConAct has been involved in the funding has to fl ow more improvement to the care situation. In during, and especially after, the Holo- the injustice. Having said this, there were will be distorted or denied. This is why change, including members of German-Israeli youth collabo- easily. Mähler sounds enthusi- addition to the funds supplied by the caust. Hence, the Claims Conference’s some who also spoke out against the Ger- the Claims Conference’s Holocaust edu- community and sports organi- ration for the last thirty years. astic when speaking about such Claims Conference’s successor organi- mission to provide survivors with a man “blood money” – especially in Israel. cational and memorial work will play a zations, the Youth Hostel Asso- She found a passion for this ar- a future: “I see it as my mission zation, the German government also small measure of justice is not likely to Nevertheless, those who decided to apply greater role in the future. ■ ciation as well as the Ministry of ea during her teenage years: “I to stress the uniqueness of the provides funds to this end. Yet, in spite end any time soon. for compensation at that time were often Education and Culture and the participated in an exchange as a relationship between those of these joint eff orts by the state of Is- The history of reparations and rehabili- subjected to degrading investigation and Rüdiger Mahlo is the representative of the Airline El Al. In short, it includ- young adult and have remained two societies and to cherish it

rael, Germany, and the Claims Confer- tation for the victims of National Social- interrogation procedures. Claims Conference in Germany (2) Claims Conference genstein Siegen-Witt Kreis ed everyone who had anything active ever since. It is some- with others.” ■ VI | ISRAEL AT 70 SUPPLEMENT | 2018 2018 | SUPPLEMENT | VII

INNOVATION Embarking on New Challenges German-Israeli science cooperation continues to grow

Never shy of spectacular action when By Hartmut Bomhoff since 1996. The research relation- desperately needed, Israel – still in its in- ships gained a lasting momentum fancy – fl ew 49,000 Jews from Yemen to ith our German-Is- through the German-Israeli Sci- Zion during Operation Magic Carpet be- raeli Accelerator, we ence Year in 2008 and the annual tween 1949 and 1950. Having to leave the W are combining the government consultations held few possessions they had behind, they strengths of Israel as a cyber- since then. The German-Israeli needed to make a new life in Israel. Sim- nation with the excellent and Research Forum was organized ilarly, in 1984 and 1985, the no-less spec- application-oriented research for the fi rst time in 2011 to further tacular Operation Moses brought some of Fraunhofer,” said Reimund intensify collaboration 8,000 Ethiopian Jews, known as Beta Isra- Neugebauer, President of the In Germany, the Federal Min- el, to Israel. And on May 24 and 25, 1991, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, earlier istry of Education and Research Operation Solomon took place: 35 Israeli this year. The Accelerator pro- fi nances fi ve foundations and aircraft brought more than 14,000 Ethio- gram, a collaboration between programs specifi cally dedicated / (CC BY 2.5) / htt ps://creati vecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/deed.en ps://creati / 2.5) (CC / BY htt pian Jews to Israel. During the operation, the German research organiza- to German-Israeli scientifi c coop- a trusty ElAl 747 made it into the annals tion and the Hebrew Univer- eration. Initiated in 1964, Minerva of aviation history by carrying more than sity in Jerusalem, bridges the is the largest and most multifac-

1,100 passengers to freedom – the plane gap between market needs and eted cooperation program. Ger-

Public Public Domain is constructed for about 600 passengers. academic knowledge and know- Shamoon College of Engineering in Beer Sheva many’s largest scientifi c research In the meantime, with the decline and community, the Helmholtz As- eventual collapse of the Soviet Union students and faculties at the He- Exchange Service, DAAD, has sociation, is about to open an from the late 1980s onward, more than brew University and Freie Uni- provided scholarships for scien- offi ce in Tel Aviv in fall. This of- Land of Immigrants 1.6 million Jews set out with Israel as their versität Berlin. Two generations tifi c cooperation with Israel since fi ce will serve as the fi rst point destination. This exodus would have of scientists have since advanced 1960. The cooperation smoothed of contact for existing and future been a unique opportunity for Germany Our common duty is to use research, student exchanges, the path for diplomatic rela- partners from science, business From 650,000 people to 8.8 million – Israel’s success story of integration and its Jewry, overaged and declining at “ and daily cooperation. “In every tions between Germany and Is- and politics. Last year, German the time, to renew itself. But the Ger- interaction with Germany, there rael. Today, a unique coopera- and Israeli scientists embarked man government decided only to take in science and research to create is an element of introspection,” tion structure exists including on a new challenge around the By Elisabeth Neu to Palestine, still under British rule. Car- 250,000 Russian emigrants. explains Menahem Ben-Sasson, contributions from foundations Moon: the Israel Space Agency ing for these deeply traumatized people a brighter future for humanity former President of the Hebrew and long-term programs in ad- signed an agreement with the joke from the 1930s: “An immi- was, again, a colossal task. Welcoming more University. “We must never for- dition to the ministerial coop- German Aerospace Center (DLR) grant arrives at the port of Haifa Consequently, between the late 1880s how. New ideas and solutions bringing together top scientists get the Holocaust, its victims, and eration. Germany is Israel’s most to use its expertise in the exami- A at the Yishuv, pre-state Israel. and 1948, the Jewish population in Pal- Many Russian Jews who made Israel in cybersecurity are only one in a wide range of joint research its perpetrators; yet this memory important partner in the EU re- nation of deep space radiation Having just set foot on the soil of the estine had grown from 50,000 to 650,000 their new home were well-educated and example of the fruitful scien- projects and a growing number also unites us in a common du- search program, of which the eff ects in conjunction with Promised Land, he is instantly asked: people. On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel talented. Engineers, medical doctors, and tifi c relationship between Ger- of students from both countries. ty – to remember the past, to country has been a member the Orion M1 mission. ■ ‘Have you come here because of Zion- was founded: “The catastrophe which re- artists helped advance Israeli society. A many and Israel. Cooperation Among the many collaborations educate accordingly, and to use ism – or because of Hitler?’” cently befell the Jewish people – the mas- large number of them became indispens- focuses on scientifi c and tech- are the Max Planck Center for science and research to create The anecdote shows that immigration sacre of millions of Jews in Europe – was able for Israel’s growing IT-sector. nological fi elds such as marine Sensory Processing of the Brain a brighter future for humanity. to Israel has always been both: the wish another clear demonstration of the urgen- Anti-Semitic incidents in France made and geosciences, biotechnology, in Action, the Martin Buber Soci- To this end, we will continue to to build and live in a homestead for the cy of solving the problem of its homeless- the number of French Olim grow rapidly environmental sciences, battery ety of Fellows at the Hebrew Uni- grow our academic and research Jewish people in their ancient land, and ness by re-establishing in Eretz-Israel the over the past several years. About 40,000 research, cancer research and versity, several Minerva Centers, relations with Germany.” a consequence of suppression, persecu- Jewish State, which would open the gates French Jews have decided to turn their water technologies. and recently, the Fraunhofer Over the years, all Israeli uni- tion, and danger to life and limb in the of the homeland wide to every Jew and backs on La Douce France and make Isra- The Hebrew University was one Project Center for Cybersecurity versities have strengthened their land of one’s birth. confer upon the Jewish people the status el their new home. It remains to be seen of the fi rst Israeli academic insti- in Jerusalem. ties with Germany. The pioneer- Theodor Herzl, father of Zionism, of a fully privileged member of the com- whether President Macron’s announce- tutions that built relations with ing research institution, however, penned his pamphlet The Jewish State munity of nations,” stated the Declaration ment, that France would not be the same Germany, which is now consid- Unique cooperation structure was the Weizmann Institute of (1896) under the impact of anti-Semitic of the Establishment of the State of Israel. without its Jewish people, will persuade ered its most signifi cant research Science in Rehovot. In 1959, it rage he had experienced in France dur- As soon as Israel had been established, French Jews to stay there. partner in Europe, second world- Even before diplomatic rela- received a delegation of the Max ing the trial of Captain Dreyfus. Accord- Jews who for centuries had been living in In recent years, another form of immi- wide only to the U.S. Cooperation tions were established in 1965, Planck Society, headed by Otto Weizmann Insti tute of Science, Rehovot ing to Herzl, Jews should be able, if they vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en ps://creati / ce (Israel) htt Offi Press Government countries like Iraq, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, gration has become an integral part of is based on scientifi c excellence, there were connections between Hahn. The German Academic vecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.de ps://creati / Wikimedia / 3.0) (CC / Hayardeni BY htt Tamar so wished, to return to their historic Operation Solomon, 1991 Israeli society, even if it is not homeland: “We shall live at last as free Operation Magic Carpet, 1949/50 overseen by the Jewish Agen- men on our own soil and die peacefully and some were pioneers or adventurers. cy. This includes the hosts of in our own homes.” Others wanted to make their dream of a people who come to Israel to TOURISM But even before Herzl formulated his just and socialist society come true on the work and help ensure a smooth dream, there was immigration to the Land shores of the Mediterranean, and others day-to-day running of things: of Israel. “Whosoever there is among you were fl eeing pogroms, violence, and ha- Thai women and men work- ברוכים הבאים – of all His people, his God be with him, – tred. The 1920s and 1930s saw an infl ux of ing in agriculture, Romanians Welcome to the Promised Land let him go up,” states the Book of Ezra. Jews from Poland and the Soviet Union, on building sites, and Filipinos, Moving to the Promised Land is making where an increase in anti-Semitic policies who have become vital in ensur- Aliyah, literally meaning “to go up.” was making life hard for them. The fi fth ing that elderly Israelis are well By Lola Thiel square kilometers. And above Street market in South From the 1880s to the 1920s, during Aliyah brought immigrants mainly from cared for. all: bright blue skies for most Tel Aviv is a must. The the fi rst, second, and third Aliyot, more Germany in the 1930s as the Nazis were Over the last decade, some bsolutely fantastic!” enthuses Li- of the year! restaurant scene of the than 100,000 Jews came from Russia and tightening their grip on the country, set- 40,000 immigrants from Afri- sa. The 27-year-old from Berlin Whether you are interested Israeli “city that never Eastern Europe to their biblical home- ting out on their path of annihilation by ca have entered Israel illegally. A has just returned from her fi rst in antiquities, outdoor activi- sleeps” is full of inno- land. The reasons for their immigration robbing the Jews of their civil rights. Government attempts to enforce visit to Israel. “I’m going back as soon ties, taking a dip in the Medi- vative eateries. were manifold: Some wanted to live a During the “secret” Aliyah Bet between a return to their home countries as I can!” terranean, bird watching, fi nd- Board a plane to Tel

religious life in the Land of the Fathers, 1939 and 1945, more than 100,000 refu- on Public/ Domain onalPhoto Collecti Nati were thwarted due to public pro- Like Lisa, a record 3.6 million tourists ing serenity and contemplation Aviv and you will in- gees entered Palestine. Their im- test and the subsequent decision have made Israel their travel destination at the Dead Sea (the lowest stantly notice the wide migration was deemed “illegal” by were threatened, persecuted, and killed. made by the High Court in Jerusalem. in 2017. That means more than 700,000 point on earth), or burning the range of visitors on the British, who at the time ruled Once fl ourishing communities were de- Israel continues to welcome immigra- visitors came to the Holy Land than did midnight oil at one of the in- their way to the Holy over Palestine. Frequently, ships stroyed. The “gates of the homeland” were tion and ensure that its Olim quickly fi nd the previous year. An increase of 25%! numerable parties in Tel Aviv, Land: Christian travel- carrying refugees were intercepted open for them: Around 800,000 Jews from their place in their new society. Sure, the And it’s not hard to see why: where else Israel off ers a plethora of va- ers fi nd their seats next by the British Navy and passengers these countries came to Israel. The enor- integration of a vast number of immi- in the world does such a small country cation options. Accommodations range coach, a train, or the famous share taxi to Rasta musicians, while business peo- were brought into detention camps. mous problems this infl ux of people posed grants in this tiny country has not always off er such a large variety of things to do from luxury hotels to zimmerim, private Sherut, is smooth and effi cient. And ple and scientists sit next to young fami- The most famous of these ships was for the young state were mastered in an been smooth sailing, and the diff erent and see? Israel is home to numerous ho- bed&breakfasts, from log cabins to (for- very aff ordable. lies. Age? Along the range from a couple

the “Exodus”; the fi lm based on the exemplary manner and the Olim, those groups might bear grudges against one vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en ps://creati 3.0) htt ) / (CC GPO Israel BY-SA ly sites revered by three monotheistic mer) Kibuzzim guest houses. And, as Then, befi ttingly, for the Land of Milk of weeks to octogenarians. book by Leon Uris would later move who had just made Aliyah, were integrat- other every now and then, as brothers religions and to spectacular landscapes Israel is a country that has to watch its and Honey, there is the food. Don’t miss Israel is not a cheap destination. Accom- millions to tears. ed and helped build the state. Simultane- and sisters sometimes do. But they are ranging from fi ne beaches to soft rolling scarce natural resources, eco-tourism is out on stocking up at the colorful mar- modations tend to be on the pricey side as From the end of the Shoah un- ously, around half a million Holocaust all united when it comes to standing up green hills, from the arid, stark desert on the rise everywhere. kets, the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jeru- is eating out – and drinking. But worth ev- til the founding of the state, some survivors, mostly from Displaced Persons for Israel, which ensures their “right to a to snow-capped mountains – all with- Travelling around is easy, and public salem or Tel Aviv’s Shuk HaCarmel. For ery shekel! Lisa has already started to save Tomer Reichman ( Reichman Tomer Nechama Rivlin, wife of Israel’s president, with soldiers 100,000 survivors made their way camps in Europe, arrived in Zion. life in dignity and freedom.” ■ vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ https://creati 2.0Generic / on-ShareAlike ributi 2.0) / Att / Ruiz / 4535427188_b3a7ef6f00_o Cervera Octavio Flickr / (CC BY-SA in a space of hardly more than 20,000 transportation, whether you hop on a lovers of spices and dried fruit, Levinsky up for her next visit to the Holy Land. ■ VIII | ISRAEL AT 70 SUPPLEMENT | 2018

between Israelis and Palestinians has shown that the problem has no military solution. The creation of a new state, or the defense of an existing one, cannot be achieved by way of force. As anyone who has spoken to the aff ected peoples knows, most in the region can no longer tolerate the confl ict. They are sick of fear, violence, and death. They are desperate for peace. The foundations of an Israeli-Pales- tinian agreement were established long ago. There is no alternative solution that would meet the fundamental interests of both parties. Any Palestinian government Sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians: The Tomb of the Patriarchs, Hebron

Zairon / Wikimedia / (CC BY-SA 4.0) / htt ps://creati vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en ps://creati 4.0) / htt / Zairon Wikimedia / (CC BY-SA that seeks popular legitimacy must insist on a sovereign state, with Jerusalem as its ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT capital. Israel requires the recognition of its right to exist from Palestinians and the Arab states, as well as their representa- tive, the Arab League. And Israel’s capital No Alternative to Peace must be Jerusalem. Israel cannot consent to the return of fi ve million Palestinian refugees, lest Jews By Benjamin Ludwig ted to a complete withdrawal from Sinai same for the Palestinians. About fi ve mil- become a minority in their own country. and the dismantling of Israeli settlements lion Palestinians are classifi ed as refugees Palestinians will insist on appropriate halom, Salaam. The Israeli-Arab- there. Egypt, in turn, reestablished diplo- – they have now been refugees into the compensation. Both Israelis and Palestin- Palestinian confl ict has been go- matic relations with Israel. This peace has fourth generation. ians demand security. As Egypt once did, ing on for nearly a century: much now lasted nearly four decades. The ac- Yet Palestinians have still been unable to Palestinians will demand a state within longer than the State of Israel has cord should serve as a model for all further commit to a unifi ed political leadership. the 1967 borders and the evacuation of Sexisted, and longer than the history of peace agreements with Arab states – and In the West Bank, the PLO – of which the Jewish settlements in the West Bank. the Nakba, the catastrophic fl ight and with the Palestinians. largest faction is Fatah – is in control. Gaza expulsion of hundreds of thousands of An agreement between the Jewish state is ruled by Hamas. The two organizations No utopian dream Palestinians from their homes 70 years and the Palestinians is undoubtedly far are also engaged in a bitter struggle with ago. Since the early 1920s, there have more complex than the agreement be- each other. Fatah is prepared to acknowl- These facts provide the framework for an only been very few years without violent tween Cairo and Jerusalem. The exis- edge Israel's existence in principle. Hamas end to the Israeli-Palestinian confl ict. Israel clashes between Arabs and Jews, without must withdraw from all occupied Palestin- terrorist attacks, skirmishes, battles and ian territories and give up most of its settle- wars. One might be excused for think- ments, apart from those that can be kept ing that Israelis, Palestinians, and Arabs through localized exchanges of territory. In 9 feel only hatred for one another. But even An Arab state of Palestine will be born. Jeru- the traditional greeting in this part of the salem will be the capital of both countries. world expresses the eternal desire for Most of the descendants of the original Pal- peace: Salaam and Shalom. estinian refugees will not be able to return languages However, the shared longing for peace to the place their parents called home. After is not suffi cient to resolve this deepening 1945, German expellees were also not per- dispute. The confl ict has too long a histo- mitted to return. Palestinians who are not ry and is too complex. What is needed to permitted to return will require fi nancial resolve the confl ict are clear, stable struc- compensation. A peace treaty between Is- tures that will have to be established ac- rael and Palestine will need to be concluded cording to international law. And, above and be subject to international monitoring. all, shared political, economic, and social Is this nothing but a utopian dream? interests. The classic example is the Israel- By no means. The “hereditary enmity” Egypt peace process. The two countries between Germany and France was also

fought three wars, resulting in grave loss vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ ps://creati 2.0) /htt on / 12346085195_4973f0a4bf_o / FlickrBY-SA / (CC Foundati Knight resolved. The only alternative to peace of life and heavy economic burdens. When Jewish sett lers vs. Israeli security offi cers at the evacuati on of Amona sett lement through compromise is an unbearable the Likud Party under Menachem Begin continuation of violence and war. ■ won Israel’s 1977 elections, so-called “ex- tence of Egypt as a state has never been and the fundamentalist-Islamist Islamic Ji- perts” announced that having the “chau- called into question. Israel had only to had have fl atly refused to accept that Jews vinist” Begin serve as head of government withdraw from Sinai, which had been oc- have a right to their own state in the Mid- would increase the risk of war. cupied since 1967, and vacate its Jewish dle East. Hamas believes its only option is JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY Egyptian President Anwar Sadat dis- settlements. There were no other territo- armed struggle to destroy Israel and expel PUBLISHER, V.I.S.D.P. agreed. Sadat declared that he was ready rial claims on either side. the Jews. It receives fi nancial, political, and Dr. Rafael Seligmann to travel to Israel and make peace. The military support mainly from Iran, which Egyptian head of state understood Israel’s Generations of refugees also seeks to destroy Israel. EDITORS deep-seated fear for its own existence. This complex status quo is further com- Hartmut Bomhoff , Dr. Elisabeth Neu, Begin responded by inviting Sadat. In an The Israeli-Palestinian confl ict is incom- plicated by a long-term process of his- Dr. Tong-Jin Smith address before the Knesset in Jerusalem, parably more complex. Both Palestinians torical transformation. Biblical Jews lived LAYOUT Sadat reiterated that Egypt was willing to and Israelis call the land between the mainly in Judea and Samaria, which is Michal Blum, Paul Siebel bring an end to the war and to recognize Mediterranean and Jordan their home. now the West Bank. The Palestinians, Israel's right to exist. In return, the Egyp- Their capital is Jerusalem – or Al-Quds. who regard themselves as descendants PRINTED BY tian president demanded Israel’s complete The Israelis have a state, the Palestinians of the Phoenicians, lived on the coastal Frankfurter Societäts-Druckerei GmbH withdrawal from all occupied territories. have none. As already noted, the Pales- plain – the present-day territory of Israel. Bartash Printing Inc. The Israeli government complied. In the tinians mourn the fl ight and expulsion As a result, the West Bank and Jerusalem 1979 Camp David Accords, concluded with of some 700,000 Arabs in 1948 and 1949. are claimed by both sides as their own. CONTACT the help of the U.S., Jerusalem commit- Israel, for its part, notes it opened its Nationalist and nationalist-religious Is- SVoice from Germany GmbH doors to more than 800,000 Jewish refu- raelis believe that the traditional biblical Postfach 311310 deutschland.de gees from Arab states such as Morocco, homeland and East Jerusalem is theirs by D-10643 Berlin Iraq, and Yemen between 1949 and 1961. right. This is rejected even by moderate [email protected] Discover topics, find information, watch videos: if you want to understand what While the Jewish arrivals were absorbed Palestinians. into Israel, most Arab countries, with the These contradictions should not cause www.jewish-voice-from-germany.de exception of Jordan, still refuse to do the us to give up hope. A century of confl ict makes Germany tick, visit deutschland.de and its social-media channels.

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250x370_Kunde_Motiv.indd 1 19.03.18 10:37 18 | ECONOMY JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | JULY 2018 JULY 2018 | JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY ARTS & CULTURE | 19

BIAS

By Klaus D. Oehler loss of industrial jobs in places like Detroit, where the automotive industry is in decline. .S. President Donald Trump is al- Europe and Canada have expressed griev- The Invention of Human Races ways good for a surprise. He has ances regarding the tariff s to the World U already imposed punitive tariff s Trade Organization (WTO). The fi rst phase A new perspective on a fi rmly entrenched ideology on steel and aluminum, which have put of EU retaliatory tariff s, which are now slat- a dent in trade relations. In the wake of ed to take eff ect in July, will be imposed on the divisive G7 summit, Trump has an- €2.8 bn worth of imports from the U.S. an- By Robert Kahn and that “race” is not a biologi- nounced that he will also be taking a look nually. In a second step, further tariff s could cal reality but a myth. Although at the “automobiles fl ooding the U.S. be imposed on €3.6 bn of U.S. goods. These or centuries, the term ‘race’ anthropologists, biologists, market” – a threat that has roused ire on retaliatory tariff s have been designed to has served as a device for and geneticists have explained this side of the Atlantic. Any duties on roughly compensate for the losses the EU F making value judgments. why biological race in humans German automobiles, Chancellor Angela will incur as a result of American tariff s. We see diff erences between is nonexistent, racism still Merkel has warned, will provoke a vigor- The EU will impose 25% tariff s against U.S. people and believe we are able abounds. In Dresden, Deutsch- ous response from Germany and perhaps products such as whiskey, peanut butter, to detect race. This kind of clas- es Hygiene-Museum (German

from the European Union as a whole. In- blue jeans, and tobacco products. Canada sifi cation implies another issue: Hygiene Museum) is investigat- Dokolo Fundação Sindika / Shonibare Courtesy Yinka deed, punitive tariff s would be a blow to is planning tariff s worth billions on U.S. ag- It is about defi ning who belongs ing the implications of the term

the German automotive industry. “I am erstock.com Hook / captain shutt ricultural products. Mexico has already im- – and who does not. About 100 ‘race’ in contemporary societies. very concerned about developments in posed punitive tariff s on a range of Ameri- years ago, scientist Franz Boas transatlantic relations,” said Bernhard can agricultural products, and has initiated (1858-1942) came up with an al- How diff erent are we? Mattes, president of the German Associa- a dispute settlement process at the WTO. ternate explanation for diff erenc- tion of the Automotive Industry (VDA). Nothing to Fear? Many worry that this trade dispute might es in human behavior. Born into a The exhibition “Racism. The Tariff s on steel and aluminum are already turn into an all-out trade war. Trump, how- German-Jewish family in Minden, Invention of Human Races” il- a burden, particularly for German auto- ever, claims to be indiff erent, saying that Westphalia, Boas immigrated lustrates the eff orts made over makers with manufacturing operations Tensions rising amid trade disputes the U.S. has nothing to fear from a trade to the United States in 1886 and the centuries to compartmental- in the United States. war. With a global trade defi cit of nearly became the “Father of American ize mankind into races and the BMW and Audi, U.S. consumers would man exports had declined – U.S. exports $800 bn, he tweeted, “the U.S. has been Anthropology.” In his 1907 essay, generally ideological motivations High-quality raw materials presumably be willing to pay a bit more. to Germany remained constant. ripped off by other countries for years.” “Anthropology”, Boas identifi ed underpinning these attempts as But for President Trump, the problem As a German economic representative The main justifi cation for the U.S. impos- two basic questions: “Why are the well as the social consequences. German automotive manufacturers re- goes well beyond steel, aluminum and noted, “U.S. products are often not competi- ing tariff s is reducing the country’s trade tribes and nations of the world Its aim is to make people aware of ly on high-quality raw materials – and automobiles: he bristles at his coun- tive on the global market. When have you defi cit. Offi cially, however, the adminis- diff erent, and how have the pres- the racist models that have been these are not always available from U.S. try’s hefty trade defi cit with Germany. ever seen U.S. washing machines and simi- tration claims the tariff s are necessary to ent diff erences developed?” He devised. “We want to discuss the Installati on “Gentlemen”: Yinka Shonibare explores Europe’s colonial legacy in Africa suppliers, they complain. Moreover, as In 2016, Germany exported goods to the lar appliances for sale in Germany?” This is protect national security. This rationale introduced culture as the primary arbitrary nature of such classifi - several of the German manufacturers tune of some €107 bn to the U.S., while a problem that the U.S. President will not be is nothing but a pretext, say the EU and concept for describing diff erenc- cations,” says exhibition curator This approach also asserted that ance, religion, or language might from the same period. It’s all have noted, they employ tens of thou- importing just under €58 bn worth of able to solve by decree. The U.S. has been Canada, which is why they have decided es in behavior between human Susanne Wernsing. “Although certain groups of people were cause humiliating experiences about phantoms: “While chas- sands of workers in the U.S. Even today, U.S. goods in return. After posting a re- neglecting its infrastructure for decades. to take action before the WTO. ■ groups. In his 1963 book, Race: racism may not always be bla- superior and entitled to more which are almost unimaginable ing ghosts seems completely German cars are cheaper in the U.S. cord defi cit in 2015, the U.S.-Germany The middle class is shrinking. New inter- The History of an Idea in Ameri- tant, it is often a hidden factor.” rights and benefi ts. The exhibi- for other sectors of a population. absurd to most of us, diff erent than they are in Germany. For premi- trade defi cit shrank by $10 bn the follow- net companies are springing up in Silicon Klaus D. Oehler is the fi nancial editor at ca, Thomas Gossett wrote that “it While Enlightenment thinkers tion analyzes the scientifi c meth- Racism not only hurts individu- sciences have been seeking evi- um brands such as Mercedes, Porsche, ing year. However, this was because Ger- Valley, but this cannot compensate for the the daily Stuttgarter Zeitung is possible that Boas did more to believed that all human beings ods behind the development of als but also violates the ideals of dence for racial categories for combat race prejudice than any were created equal, scientists felt this school of thought from the equality and freedom that form more than 200 years – frequent- other person in history.” compelled to explain the obvious 18th century and presents im- the basis for our democratic so- ly employing a similar method- In 1950, UNESCO issued a diff erences between people and ages and media used to dissem- ciety. “The Invention of Human ology,” explains Wernsing. The statement asserting that all hu- created categorization systems. inate it to this day. Among the Races” investigates how this be- curator wants to show up these mans belong to the same species items on display are propagan- havior uses “race” as a category racist attitudes and ultimately da material, art that was desig- to justify political, social and defuse them. In the last exhi- nated ‘degenerate’ by the Nazis, cultural inequality. bition room, current works by exhibits from German colonial The combination of allegedly fi lmmakers of diff erent genera- history, and contemporary art- unrelated objects creates a new tions address key issues of our works that expand the discus- context of meaning: A box of present: What unites us? What sion of the racism theme. tools belonging to an anthro- separates us? How do we want Racism is an inhumane ide- pologist of the 1930s, who was to live together? ■ ology, but at the same time an determined to identify features everyday occurrence that con- that could prove the existence Racism. The Invention of Human fronts many people with dis- of distinct races, reveals re- Races is on display at Deutsches crimination and violence. The markable similarities to the kit Hygiene-Museum Dresden until

Skin color chart, ca. 1900 FSU Kasper/ Jena / Jan-Peter Universitätsarchiv color of one’s skin, one’s appear- used by a Belgian ghost hunter January 6, 2019 Ufa – History of a Brand A journey through 100 years of fi lm production

Your partner for commercial By Fanny Schlesinger ‘Un fi lm allemand,’ as the French say, many of the most TV Produktion was has not only made cinematic history but capable actors formed in 1991 and ravelling to Munich this summer? also depicts Germany’s volatile history. In and fi lm makers soon developed in- real estate finance. Don’t miss the exhibition that de- 1917, General Erich Ludendorff used the left the country to Germany’s largest T picts the story of one of Germany’s fi lm industry as a propaganda weapon for while others were production compa- International. Reliable. Long-term. oldest and most distinguished entertain- the German Kaiser. After the war, howev- banned by the ny. With the launch ment brands. For Ufa’s 100th anniversa- er, the fi lm company focused on popular Nazi authorities. of UFA Cinema in ry, the Deutsche Kinemathek – Museum genres. In 1927, it was taken over by the In 1945, the Red 2008, the company für Film und Fernsehen presents the Scherl Group. In 1929, the Ufa introduced Army occupied once again began ƒ Attractive terms eventful story of the company and brand sound, with Josef von Sternberg’s “The the Ufa complex producing feature in seven chapters. Blue Angel” (1930) being considered the Babelsberg. The films, including ƒ Bespoke solutions Founded as Universum-Film AG in fi rst German talkie, starring Marlene Diet- Deutsche Fil- Deutsche - Kinemathek Fotoarchiv “The Physician.” To- 1917, Ufa is Germany’s dream factory rich. Lightweight fi lm operettas replaced maktiengesell- Opening night at Berlin’s Ufa-Palast (1928) day, UFA is a global and has made movie history, with an the more emotional fi lms of the silent era. schaft (DEFA) media provider, and ƒ Quick decisions artistic heritage of silent classics like A production group, formed around Erich was founded the following year under concluding with an epilogue on the in- Fritz Lang’s “Dr. Mabuse” and “Metrop- Pommer, which included composer Wer- the authority of the Soviet Military Ad- novations of the media group, the exhi- olis”, for which it built Europe’s largest ner Richard Heymann, was an especially ministration. The rest of the Third Reich bition refl ects digital conversion in the sound stage, and the fi lms of German creative center for making sound operet- fi lm assets remained in the Western oc- 21st century. ■ Expressionism. Hollywood icons such tas successful fi lms. In a time of crisis, the cupation zones. After its privatization in as Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, and cinema off ered some diversion. 1956 in West Germany, the company was Die Ufa – Geschichte einer Marke is on later Quentin Tarantino also used Ufa’s In 1933, the company was well-placed to restructured to form Universum Film AG display at Kunstfoyer, Versicherungs- www.muenchenerhyp.com studios in Babelsberg on the outskirts serve the goals of Joseph Goebbels’ Nazi and was taken over by a consortium of kammer Kulturstiftung, in Munich until of Berlin. propaganda machine. In consequence, banks. Rebranded “UFA,” UFA Film & September 16, 2018 20 | ARTS & CULTURE JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | JULY 2018 JULY 2018 | JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY ARTS & CULTURE | 21 Thriftiness: Virtue or Vice? HERITAGE Germany’s long history of saving The Jewish Manor by the Sea

By Gideon Wollberg director. “These attacks are met with little fund was made by French fi nancial offi cial Forgotten: The Hausmann Villa in Kühlungsborn understanding in Germany. Why is this Hugues Delestre in 1611 at the beginning of he idea of diversifying one’s fi nancial confl ict so highly emotionally charged? the mercantile era. portfolio dates back to at least the The historical dimension could play a role When the fi rst savings institutions were time, the chief rabbi of Mecklenburg, T fourth century AD, when Rabbi Is- in answering this question.” founded in Germany, they helped educate Siegfried Silberstein, compared this re- sac bar Aha documented a rule for asset al- Saving has a long history in German soci- people to be hardworking and thrifty. The treat to the biblical Miriam’s Well. A ko- location in the Babylonian Talmud (Tractate ety. The fi rst savings bank opened in 1778 individual was supposed to benefi t the com- sher kitchen belonged to the center, and Baba Mezi’a, folio 42a): “One should always in Hamburg. By 1836, there were more than munity. There is also a Protestant tradition Shabbat services took place regularly. divide his wealth into three parts: a 300 of these savings banks op- of saving and restraint. When the workers’ Between 1910 and 1912, the villa had third in land, a third in merchan- erating in the then-German movement gained strength, its political op- Museum Deutsches BerlinHistorisches been built as the residence of Berlin at- dise, and a third ready to hand.” Confederation, allowing ponents also recognized the importance of administration in Theresienstadt in March torney and Judicial Council notary Wil- Building lasting wealth starts Germans to save their austerity for perpetuating existing conditions 1945. The savings plan was part of a pro- helm Hausmann and his wife. Accord- with saving. However, Jewish hard-earned income for and exploited this. Their argument was that gram of deception prepared by the German ing to Alexander Schacht of the Historic wealth is a popular stereotype, some interest. people with savings to lose were less open to authorities in the Ghetto. Preservation Offi ce, it is a masterpiece of and to ward off this bias, schol- The exhibition puts revolutionary ideas. Thrift was also taught After World War II, the savings of Ger- one of Mecklenburg’s most renowned ar- ars attribute Jewish success this development in in schools. The motto of a home money box man individuals depreciated seriously due chitects of the early 20th century: Alfred in business to Jewish culture, a European context. from 1900 displayed in the exhibition reads: to currency reforms in both parts of divided Krause (1866-1930). “Stylistically, the villa which emphasizes literacy and Some elements of insti- “Without order, nothing but loads.” Germany. Nonetheless, this did not prevent takes after Neo-Baroque; it represents the education as much as it values tutionalized saving, like them from quickly starting to save substan- structural technique through its details, charity. German thriftiness is fi nancial institutions pro- Anti-Semitic stereotypes tial amounts again. Thrift and its associated materials used, and technical equipment another unchecked generaliza- viding poor relief or per- moral concepts were still promoted as ben- which, at the time, was state-of-the-art.” JVG tion. While the German habit of sonal funds for bad times, From the founding of the German Em- efi cial. Through today, saving has remained The retreat center already had 104 guests saving money has come to defi ne existed long before the fi rst pire in 1871, anti-Semitic stereotypes were fi rmly entrenched in Germany, a society by 1931. In order to accommodate as ma- Today, the “Manor by the Sea” is still Since the collapse of the GDR, prolonged the national character, it also serves as point savings bank was set up. Mem- increasingly counterposed to the idealized that takes pride in the solidity of its public ny guests as possible, the Hochschule one of the representative buildings on vacancy and increased vandalism have

of international criticism toward Germany bers of the Franciscan order established image of industrious, thrifty Germans. Dur- fi nances and in its balanced budgets. “Sav- York | Berlin New tute Leo Baeck Insti also purchased Villa Horn, which had 40 the promenade of Kühlungsborn-West caused structural damages to the house. during the eurozone crisis. loan funds called Monti di Pietà (Mount of ing the Weimar Republic, virtuous saving, ing is seen as the morally right thing to do,” newly-furnished rooms and was situated in spite of its vacancy and gradual de- Even the Jewish Claims Conference selling In one of its current shows, the German Piety) in many Italian cities in the 15th cen- based on creative work, was distinguished says Kai Uwe Peter, the managing director of By Hartmut Bomhoff on the other side of an adjacent, large cay. The Villa Baltic “is in historical, ar- the property in 2003, after much debate, Historical Museum in Berlin, in coopera- tury. Serving as institutional pawnbrokers, from the “money-grubbing” of Jewish cap- Berliner Sparkasse, a savings bank that boasts park. The main house, Villa Baltic, had tistic, and urban terms, a larger-than- did not improve the situation. The inves- tion with Berliner Sparkasse, takes a look they gave low-interest credit to the needy ital, believed to have played a role in the some two million clients in the capital. “It is photograph shows Rabbi Leo lounges and recreation rooms overlook- life structure that has infl uenced the tor from Chemnitz was unable to execute not only at the fi nancial but at the cultural in hard times. The aim of these funds was hyperinfl ation of 1923. This thinking later more than a simple fi nancial strategy.” ■ Baeck sitting with Professor Is- ing the sea. The bliss, however, was short town’s appearance,” explains Alexander his plans for a hotel and wellness temple. roots of German saving. “In the discussion mainly to challenge Jewish moneylenders became a core element of Nazi ideology. A mar Elbogen in a roofed beach lived; on July 7, 1935, the Niederdeutsche Schacht. “If preserved and reasonably In 2009, following lengthy negotiations, about the fi nancial crisis, Germany, as the and to oust them from this branch of busi- There are examples of anti-Semitic pro- Saving – History of a German Virtue is chair. The caption reads, “Arendsee 1932”. Beobachter announced that “Arendsee used, it could become of great interest the Villa Baltic was sold to an ophthalmol- representative of a strict austerity policy, is ness. After loan funds were established in paganda in the exhibition, but one item is currently on display at the Deutsches Arendsee? The Baltic seaside resort had will be cleansed of Jews.” On the night to the public.” ogist who planned to renovate the build- severely criticized in many European coun- a city, the Jewish population was often ex- even more disturbing. It is a savings card Historisches Museum in Berlin and runs united with the neighboring areas of Ful- between July 20 and 21, the windows of The building is an emblem of German ing according to monument preservation

tries,” says Raphael Gross, the museum’s pelled. The fi rst-ever proposal for a savings of Franz Nohel, issued by the Jewish self- through August 26, 2018 Thomas Bruns DHM Schwarzenberg, der Archiv Erzgebirgssparkasse Historisches gen and Brunshaupten to form the mu- the Hausmann Foundation houses were history. In 1935, it was seized by the Na- guidelines. These plans have also, to date, nicipality of Kühlungsborn on April 1, shattered. tional Socialists and turned over to the been unsuccessful. 1938. At the time of its bestowal of city “Goebbels-Stiftung für Bühnenschaff ende The prediction made by the Hamburg- status by the National Socialists, it was Fading into history in der Reichstheaterkammer” (Goebbels er Israelitisches Familienblatt – that the called “a newborn from which cooling, Foundation for Performers in the Reich palace would become “a new part of refreshment, and relaxation grow.” “It must have been in summer 1935. Theater Chamber). In 1945, the Villa was Jewish life in Germany every summer A report in the Bayerisches Israelitisches There were signs when we reached the allegedly raided by Soviet soldiers. It was since 1931” – hasn’t come true. Not much Familienblatt from the summer of 1931 ex- seaside that Jews were not welcome. The then awarded to the Jewish community has remained aside from a folder in the plains the signifi cance of Baeck’s stay in villa functioned as a socializing place. of Mecklenburg and, in 1949, became New York Leo Baeck Institute archives Arendsee. On June 28, 1931, he opened up We did not sleep there. We stayed at the property of the Union of Soviet So- and some photos of the historical Küh- the Hausmann Foundation retreat center, a place not far from there, and as my cialist Republics (USSR). In the GDR, lungsborn home. When asked about also known as “Judenschloss am Meer,” mother did not feel well, she joined the the house was converted into the “Kurt- the history of the “Schloss am Meer”, “the Jewish Manor by the Sea.” The villa children and went to bed early. Soon the Bürger Erholungsheim,”a retreat center residents merely mention Goebbels. It had been bequeathed to the Hochschule Nazis came. We managed to run out, my for workers. In 1972, it was combined with would therefore be appropriate to fi nal- für die Wissenschaft des Judentums, the mother leading the children to the rail- the new Kühlungsborn sea water indoor ly rename the part of the boardwalk be- liberal rabbinical seminary, by heirless way station,” recalled Irene Jacob (née pool. Renamed as Villa Baltic, the estate tween the house and the sea, now trivi- Margarete Hausmann (1863-1929) along Lowenthal) of her childhood memories – now with a restaurant and bar – was a ally called “Baltic-Platz” (Baltic Square), with further property in Berlin. At the some years ago. showpiece for this socialist vacation spot. after the Hausmann family. ■

BOMHOFF RECOMMENDS PROTECTING WEALTH OVER GENERATIONS Learning from Evian Eighty years ago, in Ju- sion quota from Germany “Among refugees there are some spies.” Four months later, in November 1938, ly 1938, delegates from and Austria even before the On July 13, 1938, the German newspa- the Kristallnacht pogroms predicted the 32 countries met at the meeting began. During the per Völkischer Beobachter triumphantly destruction of European Jewry trapped French resort of Evian. nine-day gathering, dele- commented: “No one wants them.” under Nazi rule. Together with representa- gate after delegate expressed While most of the refugees were de- Today, we must ask ourselves what the tives from relief organiza- sympathy for the refugees nied entry to Europe and to the United failure of Evian teaches us about the cur- tions, they discussed the while off ering excuses for States, the tiny Dominican Republic was rent policy debate in Europe and North Jewish refugee crisis. By not letting them in. As Gol- the only country in attendance at Evian America. What is our responsibility to- that time, about 150,000 da Meir wrote many years that agreed to open its doors, accommo- ward refugees? How do we respond to German Jews, one out of JVG later, “sitting there in that dating up to 100,000 immigrants – in ex- the quick rejection of immigration, albeit four, had fl ed their home magnifi cent hall and listen- change for huge amounts of money. In immigration for humanitarian reasons? country, with many more still trying to ob- ing to the delegates of 32 countries rise, general, the ifs and buts prevailed: Brazil As Jews, we are committed to the im- tain visas. After Germany annexed Austria each in turn, to explain how much they stated its willingness to accept only ap- portance of helping others in need, and in March 1938, an additional 185,000 Jews would have liked to take in substantial plications accompanied by a certifi cate our Jewish teachings argue strongly for were brought under Nazi oppression, and numbers of refugees and how unfortu- of Christian baptism. Canada stated lenient absorption policies. Admittedly, most of them were unable to fi nd coun- nate it was that they were not able to do that they were only prepared to accept some refugees from Muslim states might tries willing to take them in. so, was a terrible experience.” experienced agricultural workers, while return our welcome with hostility and Although President Franklin D. Roos- There were concerns that refugees Britain made the exception for domestic anti-Jewish violence. Doing good doesn’t evelt encouraged the international com- would use up resources meant for the servants. However, there was no break- guarantee gratitude. With the shameful munity to fi nd a long-term solution to poor and dispossessed, take away jobs, through in the immigration impasse, legacy of Evian in mind, we must prompt the problem, the United States itself and threaten the stability of their host and whatever good the Evian Confer- our governments to achieve an agreement www.spudy.com refused to increase the annual admis- countries. Even Roosevelt warned: ence set out to do was buried in the sand. that fi nally helps people in acute need.■ xxxxx 22 | ARTS & CULTURE JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | JULY 2018 JULY 2018 | JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY A MENTSH | 23

DAVID SCHORR The Human Painter

became curious. Soon, we found Shabbat he said the Hebrew David Schorr’s art then expe- ourselves in animated conversa- blessings over bread and wine. rienced success. Dozens of ex- tion. My neighbor invited me to David Schorr’s family came hibitions. Cartoons in the New ISSN 2193-4800 ZKZ 24792 PvSt By Monika Biller Back in the Berlin metro, we sit at his table. from Hungary. The entrepre- Yorker and other magazines. A JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY are nearing our stop. We get up David, as my new acquain- neurs migrated to the U.S., and successful career at renowned In cooperation with the German erlin, 2018, U3: I am sitting and wait for the train to come tance was called, was a paint- David was born in 1947 in Chi- institutions. His art was ac- daily DIE WELT next to my 17-year-old to a halt. The doors slide open er. He taught in Bologna, Italy cago. Since childhood, he felt companied by a warm human- PUBLISHER, V.I.S.D.P. B daughter. We are visit- and I can feel the warm fresh and at Wesleyan University in drawn to painting. He studied ity, wisdom, and a constantly Dr. Rafael Seligmann ing from the U.S. and are tak- Berlin Spring breeze. As we ex- Connecticut. He would present fi ne sense of hu- EDITORS-IN-CHIEF ing the metro to see East Side it the metro car, I take a deep travel back and forth be- mor. We grew so close Hartmut Bomhoff , Dr. Elisabeth Neu Gallery. I glance at her proudly breath and exhale in relief. It tween the two. But David that we chose to nurture MANAGING EDITOR Paul Siebel and then do a shocked double feels good to have an open the artist rarely talked our friendship. DESIGN take: she is slightly overdressed door like a new beginning. I about himself; he was David invited my wife Lukas Kircher as a tourist in her brand new believe that my daughter could far more interested in and me to stay with him on LAYOUT pantsuit. The pantsuit shows be part of this new beginning. hearing from me. David his last night in Israel. He Michal Blum

off a low-cut neckline and a bit erstock.com / shutt Wave_Movies Her generation is the world’s was an attentive listen- only wanted to invite his EDITORIAL STAFF of her porcelain-colored cleav- IDENTITIES hope to create a new dialogue er. What was I writing best friends; we were curi- Sabine Dultz, Siegfried Guterman, Julia Harris, Dr. Tong-Jin Smith, age. But what draws my atten- about how we perceive each about? What did I fi nd ous. As we looked around Dr. Susanne Mauss (†2014)

tion is what is hanging around other. The idea of young, edu- Ross Steven so remarkable about Is- in the restaurant, David her neck, casually and clearly cated people with fresh and cu- rael? What about Ger- laughed his quiet laugh: AUTHORS Michael S. Cullen, Roland Tichy visible: a shiny silver necklace rious minds is like a new open By Rafael Seligmann many? What moved me “I told you only my best A Necklace in Berlin TRANSLATION with her favorite bat mitz- door. I have learned that Berlin as a writer? His words friends in Israel would be Patricia Szobar

vah pendant. It has the shape has become the new intellec- he man radiated calm- and his eyes expressed a Private here. That’s you.” PRINTED BY of two hexagons that fall per- An American Jewish Christian German story tual hub for many young native ness and dignity. We human sympathy and in- With tenor Jonas Kaufmann in his studio In May, we wanted to Frankfurter Societäts-Druckerei fectly into place to form a Star and non-native residents of all Twere eating breakfast at tellectual interest. meet with his friends Hans Bartash Printing of David, an ingenious piece kinds of backgrounds, creative tables next to each other in a From then on, we immersed the subject, among others, at Gerhard Hannesen and Dieter AD SALES of creativity (as she had been their necklaces as decorations; or at all times. I guess Germany The students’ tears and dis- minds, and beliefs. Berlin has quiet Tel Aviv café. Normally, ourselves in conversations daily. Yale University; there, his nat- Keller in Berlin. David had in- [email protected] told by some of her art-loving by wearing Kippahs? As it turns does not take any chances. I gust were genuine, and their seen an immense increase in I would concentrate on the up- They were meaningful conver- ural gift was cultivated. David vited us to go to the opera. We CONTACT SVoice from Germany GmbH friends from back home). I di- out, it is not too uncommon as am frustrated and impatient shock was permanent. I tried its population of young Israelis coming section of my new book sations, but thanks to David’s Schorr knew that handiness is never got around to it; in Bo- Postfach 311310 vert my eyes quickly from her the “Berlin Kippah Attack” at the with my own country but also to be a living German example who enjoy professional oppor- and avoid a distracting conver- personality, they stayed light the foundation of artistic mas- logna, David suff ered a stroke, D-10643 Berlin necklace and stare ahead of me city̕s trendy Prenzlauer Berg dis- hopeful that change will come. to these kids that a German is tunities, peace, and freedom. sation. Yet the timid eyes of the and void of tension. We shared tery. He painted representation- which led to his death. May the Phone: 0049 (0) 30-857 26 888 with a blank look. I don’t dare trict demonstrates. In a recent My daughter’s heritage is split not the equivalent of a Nazi. I These younger generations are tall gentleman, reading the New a Shabbat dinner together. The ally, fi lling his paintings with One he didn’t believe in, but [email protected] articulate the thoughts that are announcement, the German into two: a Jewish American fa- have been fi ghting this German the best example of the positive York Times, observed his peers Jewish faith was apparently not vibrant colors and motifs. Com- from whom he never was freed, www.jewish-voice-from-germany.de growing louder in my head. I Zentralrat der Juden called for ther and a Christian German stereotype since entering the eff ects of cultural globalization. with a such gentle gaze that I of interest to David. Still, on plete art for thinking and feeling. have mercy on his soul. ■ am shocked that I am shocked. activism in the Jewish commu- Did I just …? Should I…? nity by wearing a Kippah under Thoughts of Neo-Nazis, anti- the hashtag #berlinträgtkippa. Semitism, fear and Mitläufer It was supposed to be a state- are going through into my head ment against anti-Semitism and in the country where I grew up intolerance but the call to ac- My daughter’s generation is the world’s hope to create and always felt at home and tion was met with skepticism “ safe. But now I am having trou- after a person wearing a Kippah a new dialogue about how we perceive each other ble staying rational and I am was attacked. Anti-Semitism in worried because I want to pro- Germany is back in the head- tect her. I suspiciously glance lines amidst a refugee crisis around me. I discretely exam- and a country asserting its own mother. She grew up loving vast non-German world out- They feel confi dent and curi- culture, values and po- both sides. To her horror, I sent side of my homeland borders ous, and are unafraid to move litical status among other cautioning emails demanding 30 years ago. But I saw the stu- beyond their own boundaries world powers. lesson plans and confronting dents’ doubts. An empathetic or learn about those they per- To the dismay of many history and Hebrew teachers, smile could not wipe away their ceive as diff erent. “ Looking, learning, Germans, it was never asking how they will present suspicions. My daughter, how- I follow my daughter out of completely gone, only the Holocaust, what terms they ever, will not and cannot point the station and together, we and trying to swept under the table. would use to describe Germans fi ngers because both stories are walk to the East Side Gallery make sense Germans have spent the and what movies they would her stories. And now she is here and then on to the Holocaust past 70 years educating watch, lest they teach fear and in Berlin in the metro, setting Memorial, her necklace glis- Locally Based. of the mess that their young about the Ho- plant an unacceptable idea in herself apart from others with tening in the sun. She is ready locaust and the war; they her mind. I accompanied her a small pendant and yet feeling to continue learning about history creates accepted the blame, have class to the Holocaust Museum excited about being part of the German Jewish history, and paid reparations, and wel- as a chaperone. Her fellow stu- whole. It seems she is not afraid making it “her-story.” Her un- Globally Connected. comed back survivors, dents were not prepared for the to fi nd herself in the middle broken spirit is getting ready to ine the people sitting directly their families, and more refu- brutal truth of death chambers – of a cultural crossfi re. She is teach the world about her iden- across from us to see whether gees than any other European visualized blatantly – and of old looking, learning, and trying tity: an American, a German With offices across the globe, WilmerHale is strategically positioned anybody is noticing the pen- country. Germans have become shoes from the gas chambers as to make sense of the mess that and a Jew and I am keeping my dant, but nobody is looking up. fi ercely pacifi stic as a result of reminders of Nazi crimes. history creates. fi ngers crossed. ■ LLP to provide legal counsel on complex international matters affecting Should I say something to my the war. Nationalism and patri- daughter now? Should I whis- otic feelings are almost consid- Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg district your business. We offer legal representation to clients in and around per that the Star of David could ered an insult to a German.

draw curious looks at best, or I was raised without waiving Hale and Dorr Germany’s key financial, political and industrial centers. g maybe even anti-Semitic com- German fl ags or displaying any n

ments? She might sneer at me sort of national pride, painful- keri ic

or worse, feel a rush of panic ly aware of my country’s past. P er and anxiety. In one moment, German history scampered tl Cu

all my eff orts to create the foun- ahead with a newly found iden- r me

dation for a generation of a ful- tity after the Wall came down il

fi lled Jewish-German identity and Germany was once again W could become cracked. an international phenom- 18 20

enon, this time for success- © BEIJING BERLIN BOSTON BRUSSELS DAYTON DENVER FRANKFURT LONDON LOS ANGELES NEW YORK PALO ALTO WASHINGTON DC Brandishing heritage fully orchestrating a peaceful revolution. And yet, after all I am wondering how common these years, the open display it is for people to walk around of Jewishness remains a con- wilmerhale.com Berlin, Friedrichstrasse 95: +49 30 20 22 64 00 in Berlin, happily brandishing cern: schools, cultural centers wilmerhale.de Frankfurt/Main, Ulmenstrasse 37-39: +49 69 27 10 78 000 their heritage with blatantly vis- and synagogues continue to be

ible Stars of David hanging from guarded by police and security vecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en ps://creati htt / 3.0) BY-SA (CC / Wikimedia / Abaris 24 | RELIGION JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | JULY 2018 It Was Never Important to Me to Be the First Breaking new paths: Pioneering women in German synagogues

By Hartmut Bomhoff ordained and actually work in a religious life that the 1920s had rabbinical capacity within an or- brought. Until the mid-1990s, ne hundred years thodox setting is Sara Hurwitz the entire rabbinate was still ago, Lilian (Lily) Hel- (2009). Today, there are well deemed a male profession. Only en Montagu (1873- over a thousand women among in 1995 was Rabbi Bea Wyler, 1963) preached her the approximately 5,000 rabbis who had been ordained at the Ofi rst sermon at London's Liberal in the nonorthodox movements. Jewish Theological Seminary in Jewish Synagogue, “Kinship with New York, appointed the fi rst God.“ Ten years later, on August Making an impact woman rabbi in postwar Ger- 19th, 1928, the British lay min- many. The fi rst woman ordained ister delivered the fi rst sermon Women are making an im- in Germany after the Shoah was ever given by a woman from the pact on the rabbinate today Rabbi Alina Treiger, a graduate pulpit of a German synagogue, in all areas of Jewish life, a de- of Abraham Geiger College in speaking at Berlin’s Reform Tem- velopment that has only come Potsdam (2010). Today, there are ple. “I think there is a pressing about slowly and with much seven women rabbis among the need for women to come down struggle. Time and time again, 29 members of the General Rab- from your synagogue galler- women have become pioneers binical Conference of Germany, ies and enter into the life of the for their gender in new places and recently, Abraham Geiger synagogue,” she urged her audi- and professions. When Betty College invested its third female ence in Berlin in 1930. Montagu Robbins was appointed as can- cantor, Svetlana Kundish. Born in Cantor Svetlana Kundish

was the driving force behind the Barniske Tobias tor of a Reform congregation in Ukraine and later moving to Is- World Union for Progressive Ju- Oceanside, New York in 1955, rael and Austria, she performs a daism, and many Jewish women tion of the public service, either “It was never important to me a spokesman said that there variety of Jewish music. “A circle activists in Germany regarded in form or content, which shuts to be the fi rst; I wish I were the was no religious law, merely a has closed,” Kundish says. “Just her as a role model and an inspi- the doors of the temple in the hundred-thousandth.” Dur- tradition, against women be- like my great-grandfather, I ration. face of women.” The question is ing her lifetime, Regina Jonas coming cantors. Twenty years stand today on a bimah and lead Progressive Judaism in Germa- why it took nearly a century, from was the one and only woman later, Barbara Ostfeld became prayers in the synagogue, and ny had already addressed wom- 1837 to 1935 – when Regina Jonas rabbi. The fi rst women rabbis the fi rst woman to be invested like my grandparents, I sing Yid- en’s equality in terms of religious became the fi rst woman to earn to be ordained after Jonas were as a female cantor in the U.S., dish songs.” The soprano serves practice in the early 19th century. the title of rabbi – to achieve that Sally Priesand in 1972 (Reform), another landmark event. as cantor of the Jewish Commu- In 1837, Rabbi Abraham Geiger equality. With her ordination in Sandy Eisenberg Sasso in 1974 In Germany, once the cradle nity of Braunschweig, thus be- said: “From now on, let there be Germany some 80 years ago, an- (Reconstructionist), and Amy of progressive Judaism, the coming a woman pioneer in her no distinction between duties for other important milestone was Eilberg in 1986 (Masorti/Con- Shoah had cut off the new un- profession in the German state man and woman, (…) no institu- reached in Jewish history. servative). The fi rst woman to be derstanding of women’s roles in of Lower Saxony. ■

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