13 Page 24 Jewish Voice from Germany

SILVAN SHALOM ECONOMY RELIGION Israel’s Vice-Premier Cybersecurity Judaism & Asylum GERMANY IS OUR INVESTMENTS FOR WELCOME THE STRANGER BEST FRIEND A SAFER WEB PROTECT THE REFUGEE

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שנה טובה תשע"ו ROSH HA-SHANA 5776 A Good Omen

osh ha-Shana, the Jewish nist regime and established a New Year celebration, is democracy that was incorpo- R an occasion for reflection rated into the Federal Republic and joy. Just recently, Germany of Germany on October 3, 1990. was being portrayed in the inter- Some months before, the first national press as a country ob- freely-elected East German sessed with discipline, ruled by government under Prime Min- a narrow-minded government. ister Lothar de Maizière had Now, Germany authorized the and Chancellor immigration of Angela Merkel, Jewish citizens and even Finance from the Soviet Minister Wolf- The right to Union. For East gang Schäuble, “ German demo- until recently the asylum is crats, this invi- subject of special tation was seen vituperation, are a lived and as an acknowl- being portrayed in edgment of his- the world press as living reality torical respon- compassionate in sibility. Many their willingness in Germany Soviet Jews, to come to the who had suf- aid of war refugees. And rightly fered from poverty and anti-Se- so. Because Germany and the mitic persecution, took up this German government have been invitation. More than 200,000 demonstrating that the right to Jews left for Germany. Nearly The pomegranate, here a painting by Pavel Feinstein, symbolizes diversity, vitality, asylum is not a meaningless pro- half went on to join the Ger- energy. These are our wishes for you for the New Year – plus, above all, peace. vision within the German con- man Jewish community, there- stitution, but rather a lived and by helping to ensure its surviv- living reality. By the end of 2015, al. More Jews from the former POLITICS Germany expects to receive up Soviet Union would have liked to a million asylum applications to come to Germany, but there Silvan Shalom: The Friends of from people fleeing persecution were many obstacles in their We want peace and war. way. Convinced that the Jewish Germany is currently marking state was the proper home of Israel’s Vice-Premier is con- the 25th anniversary of reuni- all Jews, Jerusalem encouraged vinced that peace negotia- ith this Rosh ha-Shana, circulation currently stands fication. It is an occasion wor- Jews from post-Soviet states to tions with the Palestinians W the Jewish Voice from at more than 200,000 copies thy of celebration. In a peaceful immigrate to Israel. Germany’s need to be advanced. How- Germany is entering its fifth worldwide. revolution, the people of East ministers of the interior feared ever, unilateral steps taken year. In January 2012, we The Jewish Voice is now Germany toppled the Commu- that a continued “wave of Jew- by Palestinians are not recon- started with a circulation the world’s largest indepen- ish immigration” could give cilable with peace talks. In his of 30,000 copies worldwide. dent Jewish newspaper, and  OPINION rise to anti-Semitic attacks. interview with JVG Shalom Then-German Foreign Min- presents our concerns to a And Germany’s existing Jew- also criticizes the recent deal ister Guido Westerwelle pre- global audience. But this ish community did not wish with Iran: “The conditions of sented our first issue. success cannot undo the re- to become a minority within a the agreement enable Iran to Thanks to the ongoing in- ality that print media now minority. And so a historic op- build nuclear weapons within terest of our readers as well finds itself in a time of sink- portunity to increase the size of a shorter time period than it as the Jewish and non-Jew- ing advertising revenues. To the Jewish community in Ger- could at present.”  PAGE 4 ish public, advertising sup- maintain the independence This is our country many was lost. port from major companies, of our newspaper and to en- New welcome culture Today, in nearly all German interview partners including sure its continued publica- PAGE 2 cities that are receiving in- CULTURE Chancellor Angela Merkel, tion, a group of friends and coming asylum-seekers, tens Social Democratic lead- supporters have now joined  ECONOMY of thousands of people are Music Academy: er and Economics Minis- together to lend their back- volunteering their help. They We rehearse peace ter Sigmar Gabriel, For- ing to the Jewish Voice. If are greeting the new arrivals, eign Minister Frank-Walter you are interested in joining tending to the needs of chil- “We aim to build upon the Steinmeier, and Israeli Vice their efforts, or wish to know dren and adults, providing powers of reconciliation in- Prime Minister Silvan Sha- more, please contact for ad- Trade & Invest welcome gifts and needed sup- herent in music.” Former lom in this issue, among ditional information. German export initiative plies, and organizing language German Secretary of Culture others, as well as a dedicat- We thank you for your at- PAGE 14 classes. “The new Germany is Michael Naumann is cur- ed team of editors, we have tention and wish you Shana  ARTS&CULTURE a country that has changed rently director of the Baren- made steady progress over Tova. May the New Year bring for the good,” as the founder boim-Said Academy, based in the past years. you peace and happiness. of the State of Israel, David Berlin, which strives to foster Alongside our English- Ben-Gurion, noted more than harmony in the Middle East. language international edi- The Publisher and Editors 60 years ago. His belief in the “Our Academy is a symbolic tion, we have also been able good in Germany is being con- project,” explains Naumann to launch a German edition [email protected] Leo Baeck Institute firmed today. It is a good omen in his interview with JVG. in partnership with Axel Mission of preservation for the New Year, and not just “We want to demonstrate that Springer Publishers. Our fax: 0049 30 887 18 17 4 PAGE 16

Ministry of Internal Affairs, public domain, Photo: Courtesy HIAS, Pavel Feinstein/Photo: G. Lepkowski, FreedomHouse/Flickr/CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode), CC0 Pack public domain, LBI/Jon BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode), FreedomHouse/Flickr/CC G. Lepkowski, Feinstein/Photo: Pavel HIAS, public domain, Photo: Courtesy Ministry of Affairs, Internal within Germany. ■ peace is possible.”  PAGE 15 2 | OPINION JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | OCTOBER 2015

GERMAN SOCIETY This is Our Country Humanity before rules

By Elisabeth Neu anchored in people’s minds and thus in the way they act in so- f we now have to start apolo- ciety. The result is the “Unter- gizing for showing a friend- tan,” the slavish subordinate, I ly face in response to emer- as depicted by Heinrich Mann gency situations, then that’s in his novel of the same name. not my country.” Chancellor This phenotype terrorized an Merkel’s remark in the face of entire society. Many people the refugee crisis marks a turn- were destroyed by its “second- ing point in Germany’s self-im- ary virtues.” age and conduct. Germany has always stood for No solidarity in Gulf States rules, duty and discipline that have priority over the needs of In 1980 Lea Fleischmann, a the individual. Even Immanuel teacher in Frankfurt, published Kant, the humanist philosopher her autobiographical book Dies of the Enlightenment, declared ist nicht mein Land (This is not

“Germany has changed. Life in our country has become better

that “Duty is the necessity of an my Country), in which she de-

action from respect for the law.” picted how oppressive everyday 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode) BY FreedomHouse/Flickr/CC That served as a justification for experiences were in all aspects the unconditional fulfillment of of life: Attacks on humanity are Muslims everywhere at every op- comments by other eastern Eu- erly love. And, whatever their one’s duty and obedience to the always covert, wrapped in the portunity, are not willing to take ropean leaders. reasons, millions of Germans law demanded by an authoritar- mantle of principle and duty. in a single refugee. Just as they support the refugees and of- ian state. The most obscene in- Angela Merkel has now thrown have not taken in any of their Support for refugees fer them help. They prove that strumentalization, or perversion, this monstrosity on to the scrap Palestinian ‘brothers’ for almost Germany and German society of unrelenting obedience came heap of history. The distress of seventy years now. It would be Whether they derive their have changed. Life in the land during the Nazi dictatorship. the refugees – hundreds of thou- cheap and undignified to hide position from faith or polit- of Angela Merkel, life in our Unlike a political system, a sands of them – is overwhelm- behind the indifference of oth- ical-moral tradition, Angela country, has become better and tradition of misusing rules of ing. Most are from Muslim ers. Nor is there any point in Merkel, the daughter of a pas- more humane. That is some- conduct, of instrumentalizing countries: Syria, Iraq, Afghani- getting worked up about the tor, and the Social Democrat thing we can all build on. Not them, cannot be swept away by stan and Eritrea. It is a fact that way Hungarian Prime Minis- Sigmar Gabriel both know only in times of distress – as we military means. That is because the wealthy Gulf States, which ter Viktor Orbán goes on about full well that the Jew Jesus know, necessity knows no law – “damned duty” is often deeply boast about their solidarity with ‘Christianity’ or about similar preached unconditional broth- but also in everyday life. ■

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU Israel Should Accept the Deal With Iran Jerusalem must consolidate relations with the U.S. and Germany

By Rafael Seligmann ment. As Bismarck fell short of the 60 votes it would need rightly pointed out, to advance legislation meant to kill the

he first litmus test for the Public Domain politics is the art deal. nuclear deal between Iran of the possible. For Another attempt to oppose the Obama T and the P5 + 1 is yield- the Obama admin- administration would be harmful to Is- ing negative results. Ayatol- istration, the Iran rael. Should he continue on this course, lah Khamenei, Iran’s spiritual deal is a major for- Netanyahu would be following in the leader who is also considered eign policy coup – footsteps of Michael Kohlhaas, a char- the country’s most power- a mark of prestige. acter from a well-known German novel- ful political authority, contin- The Obama admin- la – a man who, convinced of his own ues to vilify Israel as a cancer istration managed righteousness, burns his bridges and among nations and calls for its to convince the ma- brings about his own destruction. But destruction. Even the attempt jority of the Demo- the political reality is that as the head of by peace activist Daniel Baren- cratic Party to close government, Netanyahu bears responsi- Heinrich von Kleist boim to bring his orchestra to www.kremlin.ru ranks and side with bility for the survival of Israel. And no Tehran for a performance was Netanyahu ought to consider the fate of Michael Kohlhaas. German writer the administration. political leader should risk the fate of his banned. Barenboim is Jewish, Heinrich von Kleist (1777–1811) created this figure in a novella of the same During this process, own country and people – even if he is and that is anathema to the name (1808/10). Kohlhaas’ unrelenting quest for justice ended fatally Washington enjoyed convinced that an injustice is being do- anti-Semitic mullahs. They at- the unqualified sup- ne. Jerusalem would be well advised to tempted to discredit Barenboim as a Zi- agreement a “bad deal”? Should Jeru- port of its Western allies, including assume that the current framework will onist – an accusation that was carefully salem continue to oppose the agree- Germany. Now it has become clear that be implemented, and to maintain the calculated to not overstep the boundar- ment? Iran’s religious authorities re- Netanyahu may well have overplayed goodwill of its two most important al- ies of what their Western supporters are main unwavering in their hatred of his hand in his reliance on the Repub- lies, the U.S. and Germany. To preserve willing to tolerate. Israel. But it would be a mistake for Je- lican Party. In so doing, he managed to its continued existence, Israel will need So is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin rusalem to continue its battle against alienate the majority of the Democrats. to work with these two countries, and Netanyahu correct in calling the Iran the implementation of the Iran agree- The Republican-majority Senate again not against them. ■ A Daimler Brand unde: Mercedes-Benzunde: AG) (Daimler • Titel/Objekt: Jewish Voice from Germany (DU 14.9.) • Produkt: W 205, C-Class mm • K

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SILVAN SHALOM Germany is Our Best Friend Israel’s Vice Prime Minister about German-Israeli relations, the Iran agreement and Aliyah

our wishes for the New Year 5776 Germany is as popular as never before with in any way on its security and indepen- for the State of Israel and the Israelis. But Israel’s politics find little favor dence on its path towards these talks. Jews in the Diaspora? with many Germans. Your explanation? We are happy to sit at the negotiation I wish the Jewish people in I do not think this is correct. The Presi- table with anyone who is interested. bothY Israel and the Diaspora to continue dent of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, recently As foreign minister, I worked to fos- and preserve their identity on the one visited Germany, and the Chancellor of ter Israel’s relations with many of the hand, and their nationality on the other. Germany, Angela Merkel, visited Israel moderate countries in the region, and I want this year to see the gathering of all five times, most recently one year ago. I believe that with a lot of good will the Jewish people in the State of Israel, We have very close relationships with and courage, that it is possible also and that the latter continues to grow and the government of Germany and the in- today. prosper in freedom and security. terests of both countries are similar and often even identical. The security and Prime Minister Netanyahu has deemed What is your message to the Jews of Germany? economic cooperation serves as a focal the agreement of the five permanent The German Jewish community’s roots point for our annual discussions, and this members of the UN Security Council plus date back nearly 2,000 years. The Jewish is a partnership that will only deepen and Germany with Iran a bad deal. What ex- community in Germany should continue get stronger over the years. actly does Jerusalem criticize? to serve as a home to the Jewish people, All findings point towards and serve as a direct link between Ger- You serve as Vice Prime Minister. Which the fact that an agree- many and the State of Israel. Today Isra- political aim is most important to you? ment with Iran is both el and Germany enjoy a close and brave The political aim most important to me a threat to Israel and friendship and there is no doubt that this is to ensure the security, development and all Western countries. is largely due to the Jewish community in success of the State of Israel and its citi- The conditions of the Germany. I bless you that you continue in zens. All of my efforts throughout my years agreement enable Iran your work out of a sense of understanding as a public servant have focused on this, to violate them and your duty and the role that you play in en- and every position that I have held focused build nuclear weap- pixeldost – Michael Photo: Lucan pixeldost suring the vital interests of both countries. on working on these issues. ons within a short- ©

This summer, you delivered the main ad- and full consensus in both Congress and dress at the opening ceremony in Tel Aviv Senate. President Obama and his govern- celebrating 50 years of Israeli-German ment are committed to the security of the diplomatic relations. What are your wish- State of Israel. As the one responsible for es for the future of these relations? Anyone who values life our dialogue with the U.S., I can tell you There are no two countries in the world “ that despite our disagreements on the Ira- which enjoy such unique and special re- will join hands and do everything to nian issue, and it is alright for friends to lations as Israel and Germany. History disagree, relations between the two coun- does not for one moment escape the hu- prevent Iran from developing the bomb tries are stronger than ever. The U.S. is man memory and reminds us every mo- committed to solving the conflict in the ment that the relations between these In 2009, Benjamin Netanyahu declared at er time period than it could at present. A Middle East and I am confident that they two countries are not like any other rela- Bar Ilan that Israel is willing to live side coordinated check of the facilities in ad- will continue to serve as trusted media- tions. Germany has grown to stand out as by side with a Palestinian state. This has vance, a significant removal of the sanc- tors in this issue as they have in the past. one of Israel’s closest and most important not happened as yet. Abu Mazen says he tions, and providing the opportunity to friends within Europe, and the world as a is ready to accept Israel’s existence. Why achieve military atomic power in the near You were much respected as minister of whole. Germany has proved its friendship is there no agreement so far? future, are not right. The former president foreign affairs of Israel. Would you be through its uncompromising approach to- The State of Israel believes that negotia- of Iran Rafsanjani, who was seen as mod- ready if the government calls you? Should wards Nazis and their accomplices, neo- tions with the Palestinians is something erate, declared that an Israeli bomb, if one the post not be filled as soon as possible? Nazis and anti-Semitism which is raising that needs to be advanced. But “It takes should exist, would leave just a “scratch” I already hold two important positions in its dirty head throughout Europe. The mil- two to tango.” The unilateral steps that the on the Islamic world, but an Iranian bomb Israel’s foreign service: Negotiations with itary cooperation between Israel and Ger- Palestinians have taken make it very diffi- would wipe the Zionist entity off the face the Palestinians and dialogue with the U.S. many influences the military, intelligence, cult for us to move forward with negotia- of the earth. It is important to note, and I The Prime Minister serves today as foreign and strategic abilities of both countries. tions, due to lack of cooperation on their will emphasize this, preventing an agree- minister and does this job very well. I work Additionally, the economic partnership end. Their request of the UN and FIFA to ment is an existential matter for the State today in both “worlds” as minister of inte- between our countries is growing and the boycott Israel and turning it into a pariah of Israel, but it is not only the concern of rior and also towards the Palestinians and state do not go hand in hand with Israel, but rather also of Germany. The Ira- the Americans and I think that my work is a desire to move ahead with peace nian threat, and the range of their rockets done in the best way possible. talks. We say: all parties have to will enable harm also to vital and strategic come to the negotiation table with- interests to Germany. The problem is not Aliyah from Europe is dramatically on the out any preconditions. If the Pal- local, it is global, and anyone who values rise. One of the reasons is increasing anti- estinians will continue to refuse, life will join hands and do everything to Semitism. How can Israel counteract the and denounce Israel in every pos- prevent Iran from developing the bomb. discrimination of Jews effectively? Are the sible international forum, this will European states doing enough against place great difficulty on the ability Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs anti-Semitism? to move ahead with negotiations as Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called the The number of reported anti-Semitic at- this is a clear violation of past agree- deal exemplary – what is your opinion? tacks increases daily, and many are hap- ments that neither side will take In the context of the strategic relations pening in Europe. The tradition of Jewish unilateral steps. that Israel has with Germany, it is o.k. to immigration to Israel, a blessed thing, is not agree on everything – just like there in many cases the result of anti-Semitism.

JVG Since its founding 1948, Israel has are arguments within families. There is no There are many countries that are not do- Silvan Shalom at his Jerusalem office been attacked by other states. To contradiction between strengthening the ing enough to combat anti-Semitism and this day, there is no peace apart from relations with Germany and ensuring the it is the responsibility of the State of Is- facts are impressive. From among its Euro- Egypt and Jordan. Nearly 70 years of war security of Israel, which comes into play rael, the homeland of the Jewish people, pean neighbors, Germany is Israel’s largest – how do the Israelis live with that? What in the opposition towards the agreement. to fight against this. The government of trade partner, ranking third in the world as are the perspectives for peace? Relations with Germany will continue to Israel formed a special team in order to a whole, following only the United States The State of Israel always strove for be good and strong like they have been. fight anti-Semitism and encourages oth- and China. In 2014, the trade between our peace with all its neighbors. In the 67 er countries to help. We will continue to two countries reached US$ 6.6 billion, up 7 years of its existence, Israel has dealt The disagreement about the deal has se- fight anti-Semitism through an under- percent, and Israel’s export to Germany in with many difficult threats. I doubt verely damaged relations between Jerusa- standing that it is an evil that has to be 2014 amounted to US$ 1.7 billion. We will that any other country would have been lem and Washington. What can be done abolished from this world. ■ continue to grow and strengthen these re- able to deal with them. We are doing to improve these relations which are of lations in the years to come. We are aware everything possible in order to speak to vital importance to Israel? Silvan Shalom was interviewed by JVG that only a few will stand by our side like anyone who is interested in listening. Israel’s existence is the only topic with- editor Rafael Seligmann; translation by Germany does. However, Israel will not compromise in the U.S. that enjoys bipartisan support Chaya Pomeranz Everyone is born with talent, but barriers such as disadvantage, inequality and poverty can stand in the way of success for some. Around the world, Born to Be programmes develop what young people need to succeed in life: skills, aspirations and opportunities. We believe that every child and young person deserve the chance to achieve their full potential and become who they were born to be.

1508_5341_DB_ANZ_B2B_EQUAL_250x370.indd 1 31.08.15 10:03 6 | POLITICS JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | OCTOBER 2015

FRANZ JOSEF STRAUSS REMEMBERED A Loyal Friend World politician and close ally of Israel

Bavaria on a sensitive mission. dimension; it also had a histori- Throughout his life, Franz He asked the then defense min- cal and cultural dimension. This Josef Strauß was connected to ister for weapons and technol- was his main motivation for es- Israel in historical and moral ogy, and for support with equip- tablishing the bases for a close responsibility. But he always re- ment and training. The young and lasting cooperation between garded good relations as a task State of Israel had already been the NATO countries and Israel. for the coming generations as forced to defend its existence Franz Josef Strauß saw the new- well. For Strauß, remembrance meant internalizing the past again and again. And so today, it is down to us to constantly renew and strengthen the bond of friendship between our two nations. That is why I saw the Strauß was a convinced 50th anniversary of the estab- “ lishment of diplomatic relations European and an equally between Germany and Israel as an occasion for a school ex- convinced transatlanticist change between young people from Israel and Germany. The group from Jerusalem visited from attacks on several occa- ly founded state not only as an Dachau in July, and I look for- sions. Strauß pledged his as- important strategic partner but ward to being in Israel with the sistance and promised to share also as a bulwark of the West in German students in October. some of the limited resources the Middle East. For him, Israel’s I hope that close and lasting at the disposal of the fledgling right to exist and security were friendships will ensue. Bundeswehr. This is particu- non-negotiable. German-Israeli friendship is a larly noteworthy since the U.S. stroke of great good fortune for had flatly refused to supply Breaking the deadlock Israel and Germany. Let’s take weapons, a position which re- these two anniversaries as en- mained unchanged until John The core of his peace policy couragement F. Kennedy became president was a defense policy which was to renew and

public domain in the early 1960s. explicitly defensive and built on strengthen this Franz Josef Strauß kept his our own strength. It derived its bond – based By Gerda Hasselfeldt public perception focuses main- word and thus laid the basis credibility from its pledge that on responsibil- ly on the Reparations Agree- for David Ben-Gurion’s historic political goals would never be ity for the past, sraelis and Germans have ment of September 1952. Less meeting with Konrad Adenauer achieved through force. Even and responsibil- two causes for celebration attention is paid to the military in New York in 1960, which in in the early 1950s, Franz Josef ity for the time

this year: the 50th anni- cooperation which, on the Ger- turn led to the establishment of Strauß recognized that in the to come. ■ Henning Schacht versary of the establish- man side, is closely connected diplomatic relations in 1965. De- long term, it was unreason- Iment of diplomatic relations with the person of Franz Josef cades later, Shimon Peres wrote able to expect the U.S. alone to Gerda Hasselfeldt is chairwom- between Germany and Israel, Strauß. As defense minister, on the occasion of Strauß’s 70th guarantee Europe’s security. He an of the Bundestag group and the 100th birthday of Franz Strauß built a close relationship birthday: “Strauß’s willingness therefore regarded the Europe- of Christian Social Union (CSU) Josef Strauß, an early and close to stand with Israel has imprint- an Defense Community, with parliamentarians friend of the State of Israel. ed itself deeply in our memory.” a military contribution by the Germany’s relationship to Is- Extraordinary as his courage Federal Republic of Germany, rael, and Israel’s to Germany, was, he also had nuanced and as the key to safeguarding peace will always be a very special Already farsighted motives for support- in Europe. Only a strong Europe one. Today, our countries are “ ing Israel during its early years. standing shoulder to shoulder ISSN 2193-4800 ZKZ 24792 PvSt allies, partners and friends. Af- Although Strauß never became with the U.S., therefore, was supporting JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY ter what the Germans did to foreign minister, he did much to able to preserve peace. the Jews, this is indeed a mira- Israel during shape German foreign policy in Today, these principles are Publisher, v.i.s.d.p. cle. It was possible because Is- every office he held – as a Fed- more relevant than ever. The Dr. Rafael Seligmann its early years rael was willing to reach out its eral Government minister, and latest violent upheavals in the Design hand. Not long after the war, as Bavaria’s prime minister. He Middle East and North Africa Lukas Kircher David Ben-Gurion once told to Israel long before diplomatic made more than 600 trips to 63 remind us, with startling clar- Editors-in-Chief his nation: “You must recog- relations were established. He countries, including three visits ity, that Israelis and Europeans Hartmut Bomhoff, Dr. Elisabeth Neu

nize that another Germany is also publicly called for full diplo- to Israel. share the same fundamental Layout emerging.” Yes, another Ger- matic relations long before this Franz Josef Strauß was not on- security interests. However, a Michal Blum many emerged. But the re- was widely regarded as desirable ly a convinced European; he was secure Israel cannot exist with- Managing Editor sponsibility that rests with us in Bonn. an equally convinced transatlan- out an independent, viable Richard Henschel Germans remains. The Shoah ticist. No one worked harder for and democratic Palestinian Editorial Staff will always put these relations Memorable meeting with Peres Germany’s integration into the state within the framework of Jonathan Berkmann, Sabine Dultz, beyond comparison. Western community than he a two-state solution. Germany Siegfried Guterman, Dr. Tong-Jin Smith, We Germans have learned over The foundation stone for did. Strauß was unshakeable in must therefore intensify its ef- Dr. Susanne Mauss († 2014) the years that remembering al- this cooperation was laid by his belief that Germany’s future forts, together with its partners Authors ways means assuming responsi- Shimon Peres and Franz Josef lay not in centrist neutrality but in the EU, to achieve a solution Michael S. Cullen, Dr. Roland Tichy bility as well. Franz Josef Strauß Strauß at a memorable meet- in irreversible integration into to the conflict. Twenty years af- was among those who assumed ing in Rott am Inn in late 1957. the Western alliance of values. ter the Oslo Accords, it is time Translation Simon Srebrny, Patricia Szobar responsibility towards Israel Peres – President of Israel half Western integration, for Strauß, to break the deadlock in the very early on. Today, however, a century later – had come to not only had a primarily military peace process. Printed by Frankfurter Societäts-Druckerei GmbH Just as Europe is not, and Bartash Printing, Inc. must not become, a Christian Ad Sales club, neither should the Middle [email protected]  Franz Josef Strauß (1915–1988) was one of the most eminent politicians of the East be – or become – a Muslim one. In Israel, a new synthesis Contact Federal Republic of Germany. He contributed substantially to good relations with SVoice from Germany GmbH of European and Oriental Ju- the United States and Israel. Long-term chairman of the CSU (Christian Social Union), Postfach 311310 daism is emerging. I am firmly D- 10643 Berlin Strauß also served as West-Germany’s minister of defense (1956–1962), minister convinced that this can be the Phone: 0049 (0) 30-857 26 888 of finance (1966–1969) and from 1978 until his death as minister-president of the starting point for a new and [email protected] Free State of Bavaria. much-needed bridge between www.jewish-voice-from-germany.de East and West. © Allianz SE, Germany

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Saxony’s Minister-President Tillich with asylum-seekers

very sentiments that are easily transformed into violence against all those who are perceived to be different. When late last year anti-Muslim protestors took to Germany’s streets, representa- tives of the Jewish community were among the first to sense the danger which our German democracy needs to confront. As the chairwoman of Dresden’s Jewish Community said: “The anti-immigrant hate might soon be targeted at Jews, who only too readily could be declared aliens again.” Again, that means, just like in 1933, when the Nazis rose to power. This in the year when we commemorate the end to these atrocities seventy years ago. Saxon State Chancellery/Matthias Rietschel State Saxon United we stand SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY This is intolerable. No one in Saxony shall ever live in fear again. I myself and the entire A Jolt of Charity Saxon state government have made it abundantly clear that all extremist violent attacks The vast majority of Germans won’t allow hate to divide society shall be prosecuted, and the perpetrators shall, if convicted, feel the full force of the law. By Stanislaw Tillich that frays the nerves of many a indeed be beneficial. It is quite first resolution of this kind by The Saxon state will not cede an local politician and citizen when a different Germany, 70 years a post-war German parliament. inch to those who attack fellow eventy years ago, at the they are told to find room for after World War II. The resolution continued: “It is citizens, on whatever grounds. end of World War II, 300, or even 700, asylum-seekers our responsibility to especially Whether someone is a Muslim, Germany stood militar- within the next two days. Yet we Spirit of respect advance and protect Jewish re- a Jew, a Christian or an athe- ily and morally defeated, find, again and again, that ma- ligion, culture and tradition in ist, everyone shall be defended Shaving lost the war she started ny people’s initial state of shock Moreover, it is a Germany Germany, and to care for, and against extremist attacks. herself, and having committed quickly gives way to their rolling that is again home to a substan- sustain, Jewish cemeteries, syna- This is the government’s unimaginable crimes against hu- up sleeves and solving practical tial Jewish community. Even in gogues and memorials. We con- pledge, but it is not the gov- manity. Today, Germany stands problems. This is a situation in 1945, there had been Jewish sider it a special task to educate ernment’s responsibility alone. as the nation so far having taken which we Germans need to un- Holocaust survivors who chose our youth in a spirit of respect Jews, Christians, Muslims and in 40 percent of the refugees ar- characteristically do away with to stay in what they still con- for Jewish religion, tradition and atheists have to stand united riving in the EU, amidst the big- thoroughness and planning, sidered their home, despite the culture. We are committed to of- against the haters. And they gest humanitarian crisis since finding shelters for asylum-seek- terror and loss of family they fer asylum to persecuted Jews.” do. Granted, the open-mind- World War II, and being accused ers just as we go along. While had suffered at fellow Germans’ This was a resolution of some ed majority needs to be even by other European governments there is a lot of criticism at this hands. Twenty years after the consequence. Immediately af- more vocal. More of us demo- of, supposedly, encouraging ref- rather uneven process, the re- War, the Federal Republic of ter the resolution, hundreds crats ought to engage the rac- ugees to come in ever greater sults so far are quite acceptable. Germany took up diplomatic of Jews from the Soviet Union ists on-line in chat rooms and numbers. A very different Ger- So despite the outright anti- relations with the State of Is- came to East Germany. They comments sections, where they many indeed. immigrant hate by right-wing rael. This year, we commemo- were followed by some 200,000 spew their vile ideology, unre- However, at the same fellow Jews who settled in strained by any common sense time the world watched in Germany, the country at or etiquette. We also need to shock at footage of German whose hands their ances- step up democratic education right-wing extremists fire- tors so terribly suffered! in our schools, at the same time bombing the police line in The ranks of the Jewish we redouble our efforts at erect- front of an asylum shelter. “We will not cede an inch to those communities in Germany ing permanent shelters for asy- The terror of this fanatical were swelled enormously, lum-seekers, and stocking up on minority is insufferable, who attack fellow citizens. Everyone and we owe it to them that personnel that cares for them. and a great shame for our those immigrants were In December, I shall visit Israel country. The vast majority shall be defended against extremists successfully integrated in- again, and there will be many an of Germans – including us to German society. More- opportunity to discuss recent Saxons – is shocked and re- over, new synagogues developments in Saxony and Ger- volted by this minority’s behav- extremists, and despite a cer- rate this momentous event fifty were erected and a rabbinical many. I know that charity is an ior. At the same time, we Ger- tain uneasiness about people years ago. seminary set up, the first one important part of Jewish iden- mans have reason to be proud who are yet foreigners, the The Eastern part of our divid- since the Nazis had closed the tity. I am certain I can tell our of the thousands of public ser- vast majority of Germans stand ed nation, however, remained last one down in 1942. When, in Israeli friends vants and volunteers who make united and rise to this humani- deeply hostile towards Israel 2006, the first German-trained that charitable a huge effort in providing a safe tarian challenge. An unprece- until the end of the Communist rabbis were ordained, at the works for refu- haven to tens of thousands of dented jolt of charity energizes regime. When it was toppled by synagogue of Dresden, Saxony, it gees are on the refugees arriving each month. Germany. We will do whatever a democratic revolution in 1989, was a great moment. It told the rise in Saxony, it takes, and we shall succeed, East Germany’s first freely elect- world about the renaissance of and that our de- Meeting humanitarian challenges that is the majority’s mantra. ed parliament swiftly moved and Jewish life in Eastern Germany. fense of freedom We do even discuss that this resolved in 1990 “to admit re- However, despite this renais- and democracy It’s an effort that overstretch- situation could offer our demo- sponsibility for the humiliation, sance, German Jews often felt is stronger than

es many of those involved, and graphically shrinking and age- expulsion and murder of Jewish that their existence was a pre- ever. ■ JVG therefore they could need more ing country a chance for rejuve- women, men and children. We carious one. We have not yet helping hands, instead of being nation and population growth, feel sorrow and shame, and ac- succeeded to overcome the an- Stanislaw Tillich is minister- verbally and physically attacked and that a more targeted ap- knowledge this burden of Ger- ti-Semitism and racial prejudice president of the Free State of by racist rioters. It’s also an effort proach to immigration could man history.” It was the very fostered by a small minority, the Saxony since 2008 OCTOBER 2015 | JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY POLITICS | 9

MIGRATION After the Great Welcome Party A Germany of Light or a “Dark Germany”?

By Dieter Sattler a time, security issues also fell by the wayside at the German ast year, Germany re- border. This in part explains ceived about 200,000 why fears have arisen that some new applications for of the new arrivals may pose a asylum. It had already threat to the security of Germa- beenL assumed that this figure ny’s democracy. would increase significantly, to about 400,000, largely due to the Dynamic and vibrant dramatic escalation in the war- torn regions of the Middle East, Among the many Germans who as well as Germany’s economic are now caught up in the spirit attractiveness. Today, however, of enthusiasm and welcome for many observers say Germany the new arrivals, there will al- may see as many as one million so be some who have failed to new asylum-seekers this year. grasp what changes this influx Social Democratic chair and will bring with it. Germany will Germany’s Economics Minister become more dynamic and vi- Sigmar Gabriel has stated that brant, but this is likely to come Germany may see a half-million at the cost of some social ten- migrants and refugees a year for sion. Germany’s escalating labor the next several years – although shortage, which is the result of even this figure presumes that demographic transformation, the influx will be distributed could have been met more eas- equitably among the EU states, ily through immigration policies and that a brake will be put on along the Canadian and Austra- economic migration from the lian models, which support the Balkan states (including several immigration of highly-skilled states that are candidates for EU and educated workers. Instead, accession). Germany is now facing an an- When it comes to a Europe- archic influx of migrants and wide solution, however, the refugees, to which the state can eastern EU members are op- only respond with remedial and posed to a quota plan. Coun- after-the-fact measures. Accord-

tries such as France, Britain 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode) BY FreedomHouse/Flickr/CC ing to migration expert Dietrich and Denmark are stonewalling Syrians in Hungary trying to make it to Germany Thränhardt, Germany would be under the pressure of rightwing nationalist parties. Even Portugal party is over, and day-to-day life re- had only taken a few hundred refugees sumes? “Reality is grey,” in the words of until August. the Frankfurter Rundschau daily, which is normally known for its support of a The current explosion of openness Lion’s share multicultural Germany. Spiegel maga- “ zine noted that the task ahead will be and goodwill must be maintained Germany, which together with Austria more than a “sunny fairy-tale.” And and Sweden is assuming the lion’s share indeed, this mass migration into Ger- to master challenges ahead of the burden, will receive at least as many has many aspects. Businesses are many refugees this year as all other EU looking forward to an influx of skilled states combined. This mass immigration workers – and perhaps also to a larger Germany’s labor ministry will need best served by an annual migration of has met with an ambivalent German pool of low-wage labor. The market- to spend up to three billion addition- between 200,000 and 300,000 new ar- public. Although incoming migrants and friendly Free Democrats are already al euro this year for language classes rivals. But at least for the moment, ne- refugees have been greeted with cheer- demanding the suspension of the min- and other educational and vocational cessity knows no law. ing crowds and welcome parties at train imum wage for migrants. This is mir- training measures for migrants and In light of recent developments, con- stations in cities such as Munich and rored by concern and unease among refugees. It is likely that hundreds of trolled immigration is no longer an op- Frankfurt, the newcomers are then dis- the lower-middle class and working thousands of these new arrivals will re- tion, at least for the current year. In- tributed to shelters for asylum-seekers, class, groups that are more affected by quire public assistance. In some cases, deed, the Christian Democratic party where some have encountered outright competition for affordable housing and educational and vocational training has decided that the proposed new im- hatred. There have already been several low-skill jobs than are the internation- measures may allow some of these new migration law must be shelved for the arson attacks on refugee shelters. In east- ally-oriented elite. arrivals to join the workforce, but the time being. Chancellor Merkel has al- ern Germany, in particular, the arsonists funds for these measures may end up ready announced that Germany must have received open support from a sig- Educational training coming at the cost of programs for un- seek to fill its shortage of skilled labor- nificant segment of the “ordinary popu- employed Germans. Sigmar Gabriel has ers from the pool of qualified and quali- lation.” Although the educational level of the already warned that the government fiable migrants and refugees. What When Chancellor Angela Merkel went incoming Syrians appears to be relatively must avoid giving the impression to or- remains to be seen is if the economic to visit a refugee shelter in Heidenau that high, the migrants are not all engineers, dinary citizens that all monies would benefits of integration and assimilation had been the target of attacks, she found doctors and skilled workers. According now have to go to help asylum-seekers. will exceed its costs. If the costs out- herself booed by a group of anti-refugee to a random survey of migrants, about 13 Of course, Germany wants to and must weigh the benefits, Germany’s econo- protesters, who called her a traitor. In percent of asylum-seekers and refugees help refugees who are fleeing war-torn my may find itself facing an immense this sense, Germany is separating into who held a residence permit in Germa- areas. But in early September, at least, it and unforeseen burden. a majority of “helpers” and a minority ny were university graduates. Roughly a seemed that Germany was reaching its Everything now depends on how of “haters”. German President Joachim quarter had completed lower secondary breaking point. After Chancellor Merkel quickly and how well Germany man- Gauck likewise spoke of two Germanys: education. But 58 percent had completed announced that Germany would be able ages to integrate and assimilate the one that is full of light, and a “dark Ger- no vocational education at all. Among this to rise to the challenge – “we can do this” new arrivals. Thränhardt believes that many.” Does this do justice to a rather current influx of refugees and migrants, – the message that wealthy Germany Germany will succeed in this endeavor complex mix of emotions amongst ordi- initial experiences have been sobering, was prepared to take in migrants spread if the current “explosion of openness nary Germans? and Labor Minister Andrea Nahles has like wildfire across social networks, and and goodwill” can be maintained to The logistical feat of accommodating now stated that only about ten percent soon everyone seemed to want to come help master the day-to-day challenges this influx of new arrivals is one thing, of the new arrivals will be able to directly only to Germany. that lie ahead. For a change will occur: but the integration and assimilation of enter the workforce. About 25 percent of The guarantee of asylum to people “Germany will be younger and more the newcomers into German society the arriving adults are illiterate, and they fleeing Syria would also appear to diverse, and there will be more Mus- poses another and far more difficult will be particularly difficult to integrate have led some migrants to attempt lims, though not all will be devout or challenge. What will happen when the into the workforce. to pass themselves off as Syrians. For observant.” ■ 10 | HISTORY JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | OCTOBER 2015

50 YEARS SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL “A Bridge Between Us Seemed Nearly Impossible” How a German Jew helped pave the way to Nostra Aetate

By Hartmut Bomhoff

his fall, a symposium at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University will mark the 50th an- Tniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Declaration of the Second Vati- can Council on the Relations of the Church with Non-Christian Religions proclaimed in 1965. A group of faculty and students from Potsdam’s School of Jew- ish Theology will participate. It is noteworthy that it was one of the early advocates of this institute, the historian and scholar of religious studies Ernst Lud- wig Ehrlich (1921–2007), who was instrumental in setting the stage for formal Jewish-Chris- tian dialogue during the deliberations of the Second Vatican

Council. In 1943, with the help 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode) Commons/CC BY-SA Livioandronico2013/Wikimedia of Christian friends, Ernst Lud- The Great Synagogue in Rome wig Ehrlich escaped from Berlin to Switzerland. As Ehrlich later and called for the creation of in- As Ehrlich remembers, “That recalled, “a bridge between us stitutions that would dismantle was when Cardinal Bea first seemed nearly impossible” – religious prejudice. sought personal contact and an but then he went on to become This first meeting in Basle – exchange of ideas with Jewish a bridge-builder himself. which Ehrlich would later de- people, and where he suddenly scribe as a “relatively formal en- became aware of the extent of Advancing a faltering dialogue counter” – and the later and very the opposition to Jews within

Lothar Wolleh/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode) 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode) Commons/CC BY-SA Lothar Wolleh/Wikimedia important meeting in Paris were his church.” Ehrlich’s hoped-for break- The Second Vatican Council convening at St. Peter’s followed by many more meet- The Council marked a turning through in relations between ings, many of which took place in point, but Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Catholics and Jews finally came Jewish reform movement in the the invitation, and a Jewish pro- the Brazilian college, which was did not relinquish his efforts. In with the Declaration of the Sec- United States. fessor from Strasbourg was un- Cardinal Bea’s residence in Rome. 1968, Ehrlich noted that many ond Vatican Council. Nostra In October, Ehrlich wrote to able to participate. Ehrlich and During the convening of the Christians still did not accept Aetate acknowledged Judaism Professor Zwi Werblowsky (1924– Werblowsky wanted to ensure Council, Ehrlich also met with the reality of Jews, the Jewish as a religion created by God and 2015), who was then on a lecture that the Vatican’s planned dec- Monsignor John Oesterreicher people, and Israel. “The reason recognized Christianity’s roots in tour of Switzerland and who also laration would address the basic (1904–1993), who had converted is the lasting legacy of the belief Judaism. Ehrlich played an im- served as an informal advisor to problems within the relationship to Catholicism in 1924, and who that Judaism is merely a fossil- portant role in the deliberations Maurice Fischer, the Israeli dip- between Christians and Jews. served in the “unity secretariat.” ized religion that lost its histori- that preceded this declaration, lomat in charge of relations to In addition to a critical reading In Ehrlich’s view, Oesterreicher cal validity with the resurrection which began for him with a per- the Vatican. In this letter, Ehrlich of the anti-Jewish invective that had been assigned the role of of Jesus.” And Ehrlich continued: sonal encounter in Basle: “The wrote that Cardinal Augustin Bea had been issued by Church Fa- “defending the position of the “The fact that Christians – even year 1961 was a significant one (1881–1968) was prepared to meet thers, Ehrlich and Werblowsky Curia to the Jews, and reassuring more so since the Council dec- for me in this respect. On Yom with Jewish experts for an ex- wanted the declaration to affirm the Jews that the Nostra Aetate laration – continue to display Kippur, the Day of Atonement, change of ideas. At that time, Car- the irrevocable covenant between was only the beginning.” During such a helpless attitude toward I met Cardinal Bea for the first dinal Bea, who was presi- Jews and Judaism, and time.” On September 20 of that dent of the Secretariat that so little constructive year, his path took him directly for Promoting Christian change has taken place, from the synagogue in Basle to Unity, had been instruct- is related to the lack of the Jesuit house, across the street, ed by Pope John XXIII to “Nostra Aetate acknowledged Judaism as knowledge about the re- where the Cardinal was stay- prepare a “Decree on the ality of Judaism. First of ing at the time. Ehrlich had just Jews,” which was to serve a religion created by God and recognized all, on the Christian side, been appointed director of the as the basis for consulta- there is all too often a European district of B’nai B’rith, tions by the Second Vati- Christianity’s roots in Judaism general lack of awareness and decided to take advantage of can Council. Like Ehrlich, of the diversity of ways in this informal contact to advance Raphael Jehuda Zwi Werblowsky God and the people of Israel, to those years, however, some Jew- which one can be a Jew. Judaism the faltering theological dialogue hailed from Germany. Werblow- renounce any form of mission- ish standpoints rejected the no- is not hierarchically organized, between the Vatican, the Israeli sky had received his doctorate in izing of Jews, and to require an tion of dialogue. In a 1964 article nor is there a world headquar- foreign ministry, the World Jew- Geneva in 1951, and in 1958 had examination of all official Church titled “Confrontation,” for exam- ters for Judaism. Judaism is a ish Congress, B’nai B’rith, and the founded the Israel Inter-Faith statements for anti-Semitic con- ple, Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik house of many rooms that can Committee. He and Eh- tent. They also demanded that argued that interfaith dialogue accommodate a diversity of resi- Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich rlich became friends. this declaration be made bind- blurred the exclusive nature of dents. These residents may not at the Arch of Titus Thanks to Ehrlich’s ini- ing for all Catholic communities, religious dogma, while asking always speak well of one anoth- tiative, a two-day meet- and obtain the force of liturgical believers to abandon their com- er, and they may not appreciate ing took place in Paris policy. Rabbi Abraham Joshua mitment to the exclusive nature the forms that religious worship during the last week of Heschel was only later invited to of religious truth. takes among other Jews; they November 1961. Invita- submit recommendations to the may accuse one another of be- tions had been extended Vatican Council. Rabbi Heschel’s Embracing Jewish diversity ing intolerant, too orthodox, to seven Catholics, who memorandum recommended too liberal, too chauvinistic, too were all sympathetic to that the Council formally reject When Pope John XXIII direct- universalist, too assimilatory, the Cardinal’s point of the charge of “deicide” – the ac- ed Cardinal Bea on September too ghetto-like, too critical, too view, as well as five Jews, cusation that Jews were respon- 18, 1960 to draft a declaration uncritical. But they are all Jews of whom only two went sible for the crucifixion of Jesus. on the Catholic Church’s rela- and, above all: they all acknowl- on to attend the meeting It also demanded recognition of tionship to the Jewish people, edge one another as Jews. The – Ehrlich and Werblow- Jews as Jews and a faith distinct the cardinal had had very little reality of Judaism encompasses

Archiv für Zeitgeschichte/ETH Zürich für Archiv Zeitgeschichte/ETH sky. Two rabbis declined and separate from Christianity, contact to Jews and Judaism. its diversity and pluralism.” ■ OCTOBER 2015 | JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY HISTORY | 11

FOURTH LATERAN COUNCIL 1215 The Church and Anti-Semitism The origins of institutionalized hatred

By Heide Langguth time exhaust the resources of Especially fateful was the torious anti-Semite of the Protes- the Christians.” above mentioned decree con- tant Reformation. n recent years, our soci- In Canon 68, Jews and Sara- tained in Canon 69, issued in ety has again seen a rise in cens (Muslims) were instructed 1215, which not only prohibit- Examining Christian guilt I anti-Semitism that extends to dress in such a manner that ed Jews from assuming public beyond far-right circles. An in- Christian and Jewish or Mus- office, but also excluded them Augustine’s absurd thesis, creasing number of “concerned lim men and women would not from craft guilds, which had along with the anti-Semit- citizens” from the mainstream of “through error have relations.” the effect of severely limiting ic declarations and decrees society are weighing in under the During the Holy Week and Eas- the choice of occupation and of the Christian church, guise of criticism of Israel. They ter, Jews and Saracens were not the activity of Jews. became deeply lodged in claim that Israel and “interna- permitted to appear in public. The decrees of the Fourth the collective European tional Jewish financial capital” In Canon 69, Jews were pro- Lateran Council maintained memory, and would go on are mainly to blame for the con- hibited from taking public of- and extended the anti-Jewish to give rise to the persis- flict in the Middle East and the tent defamation and social ex- worldwide financial crises. Their clusion of Jews, and ultimate- arguments are anything but nu- ly to pogroms and genocide. anced, and it is apparent that In 2000, the public “mea age-old anti-Semitic stereotypes culpa” issued by Pope John and modes of thought (“the Jews The Pope’s mea culpa was Paul III, which confessed are to blame for everything”) are “ the Church’s guilt and re- enjoying a revival. These pat- ambiguous and inadequate quested forgiveness, was terns of thought and explanation 2.0 FR (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode) Rama/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA both vague and ambigu- have their origins in the nearly ous in its formulation: “We two-thousand year tradition of are deeply saddened by the anti-Judaism within Christianity. fices in which they would exer- tradition of the Christian church, behavior of those who in the This year we are marking the cise authority over Christians. which heightened the religious, ny of the depictions, such as the course of history have caused 800th anniversary of institu- social and economic oppression one on the Strasbourg Cathe- those children of yours to suf- tionalized anti-Semitism. In Fateful decrees of the Jewish population. dral, Ecclesia triumphs over the fer, and we ask your forgive- November 1215, Pope Innocent In order to instruct ordinary humiliated figure of Synagoga. ness…” In light of the role that III proclaimed the resolutions In 1139, the Second Lateran Christians, most of whom were The anti-Semitism of the the Christian church has played of the Fourth Lateran Council Council had already forbidden unable to read or write, on the Church had its origins under Au- in anti-Semitism, this is a com- in Rome. Some of the 71 decrees Christians the practice of charg- proper attitudes toward their gustine (354–430), who in Book pletely inadequate explanation. dealt with relations between ing interest, while permitting Jewish neighbors and the Jewish XVIII of his City of God had as- The year 2015, and the marking Christians and Jews: Jews to do so. This in turn jus- religion, the church document- cribed collective guilt to Jews of the November anniversary, In Canon 67, Jews were for- tified the stereotype of Jews as ed its position in visual imagery for the death of Jesus. This anti- presents the Christian Church bidden from extorting “oppres- “greedy usurers,” which to this of all sorts, including frescoes, Jewish attitude would not remain with another opportunity to sive and immoderate interest,” day ranks among the most viru- sculpture, picture friezes, and limited to the Catholic Church. take a strong and necessary po- with which they “in a short lent of anti-Semitic stereotypes. stained-glass windows. On ma- Indeed, Martin Luther was a no- sition against anti-Semitism. ■

EAST GERMANY AND ISRAEL Aggressive Anti-Zionist Policy

By Christian Nestler This state of “non-relations” secution of their own Jewish citizens, and with Israel continued to dete- even greater care to avoid any accusations n May 13, 1965, the head- riorate after 1965. The German that their foreign policy aimed to bring line on the front page of the Democratic Republic began to about the erasure or elimination of Jews. O Neues Deutschland national seek relations with the Arab East German newspaper announced states. Anti-Israel polemics Hypocrisy and hostility the establishment of “Diplomatic flourished in East German relations between Mideast con- media during the 1967 Six- Anti-Zionist and anti-Jewish rhetoric spirators Bonn-Tel Aviv.” This news Day War, the 1973 Yom Kip- was deployed in tactical fashion, when- was a slap in the face for the Ger- pur War, and the 1982 Leba- ever it appeared that it might serve the man Democratic Republic. Instead non War. An article published regime’s propagandistic desire to portray of allying itself with the anti-Fascist in the Deutsche Lehrerzeitung itself as an “ordinary” member of the com- GDR, the Jewish homeland of Israel of 1975 stated, “Let us be clear: munity of nations. But East Germany’s re- had established relations with the Zionism and Fascism share fusal to acknowledge the realities of the

successor state of Nazi Germany. 3.0 Hartmut/CC-BY-SA Bild 183-W1229-028/Reiche, Bundesarchiv, a common ideological plat- past and its demotion of Jews to “second- Great pals – Erich Honecker and Yasser Arafat in Berlin, 1980 form. And this is the ideology class” victims of Nazism was a clear and Communist strategy of racism.” During the conflict fundamental moral and ethical lapse. In the official historiography of East with Lebanon in 1982, East German media On April 12, 1990, East Germany’s first The difficult relationship between East Germany, the Communist resistance had made mention of a “well-prepared Holo- and only freely elected parliament issued Germany and Israel can be divided into been the most important victim during caust.” And in the late 1960s, the German a declaration apologizing for the hostil- three phases. Until 1952, East Germany, the Hitler years. In this anti-Fascist my- Democratic Republic began supporting the ity of the “Workers’ and Farmers’ state” which was then still under Soviet admin- thology, Jews figured only as passive vic- Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). toward Jews and toward Israel: “We ask istration, maintained an overall stance of tims. As a result, East Germany felt itself To avoid possible accusations of anti- Jews all over the world for forgiveness. positive neutrality. After 1952, however, under no obligation to provide any form Semitism that their anti-Israel policies We ask the people of Israel for forgive- the show trials against Jewish party mem- of reparation to Jewish victims of Nazi might elicit at home and abroad, the East ness of the hypocrisy and hostility of the bers and doctors in the Eastern bloc, which persecution, apart from a small pension. German regime held up the example of official GDR policy toward the State of had been initiated by Stalin, signaled a dis- In the 1950s, the show trials against high- the publically-lauded Jewish and social- Israel, and for the persecution and deg- tinct anti-Semitic turn – a development ranking Communists such as Paul Merk- ist artist and intellectual. One such fig- radation of our Jewish fellow citizens in that was amplified by Israel’s increasing er in East Germany and Rudolf Slansky ure was the singer and actress Lin Jaldati, our country, even after 1945.” ■ alignment with NATO. The third phase, in Czechoslovakia, who were both con- who as a young woman had met Anne which involved rapprochement between victed of being agents of Zionism, served Frank in the concentration camp. Christian Nestler is a Ph.D. candidate at the two nations, began in 1985 with the as further evidence of increasing rancor The East German regime thus took care to the Department of Political Sciences at reform policies of Mikhail Gorbachev. toward the Jewish state. preempt any accusation of deliberate per- Rostock university 12 | ECONOMY JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | OCTOBER 2015

WHAT’S GOOD

Growth Through Debt? TICHY’S COLUMN

oday debt is higher than duced a draft for a new “stability Keynesianism was in vogue. instrumen- call for bud- ever before. As a result, law”. The explicit goal of the law And the result is well known. talized mon- getary con- T governments and central was to protect the public budget As then-Chancellor Helmut etary policy, solidation. banks have only minimal to no from a growing public debt, and Schmidt intoned, “better five expanded the “We can have room to maneuver. Govern- to safeguard monetary value. percent inflation than five per- money supply, faith in the wis- ments and individuals together But the next generation of eco- cent unemployment.” Due to and are attempting dom of governments have now accumulated a total nomic policy-makers had more the economic crisis of 1974– to heat up inflation. Is and governmental agen- of US$ 200 trillion in global ambitious goals: they wanted 1975, public debt as a percent- this all due to an implacable ob- cies. But in all questions relating debt, which corresponds to 258 to establish control over the age of GDP surged from levels session with interventionism and to the allocation of resources, percent of annual global GDP. In economic cycle itself. This was that had typically remained un- growth, or is it due to a blind be- the wisdom of governments and the seven years since the global not solely a German phenom- der 20 percent to 24.9 percent. lief in a mistaken sense of power governmental agencies is far in- finance crisis of 2007–2008, debt enon. As Nobel Prize-winning The belief that debt was the so- and control? ferior to the wisdom of the mar- has increased by a further US$ 60 economist Milton Friedman lution to economic problems This history has left its mark ket,” he said. trillion, or more than 40 percent. noted with irony, “We are all became firmly ingrained in the down to this day. Indeed, global But debt is not an inevitability; it Keynesians now.” In 1967, Karl political imagination. By the Keynesianism is largely respon- Renewed humility is the outcome of deliberate ac- Schiller helped pass a law with late 1980s, Germany’s public sible for the global debt crisis. tion. The U.S. alone has a debt a name very similar to Erhard’s debt had climbed to more than Governments set ambitious In this sense, the fact that worth more than 75 percent of proposal, but with very differ- 40 percent of GDP. Today it is benchmarks for growth. And in- Karl Schiller now stands next annual global GDP. How could ent intent. The Law for Promot- twice that. But the obvious fail- creased public debt was the price to Ludwig Erhard should serve things have gotten to this for growth at any cost. This as a signal for renewed humil- point? debt continued to feed on ity. Growth is not everything; A bust of Ludwig Er- itself; even in good years, the wisdom of state econom- hard greets visitors in the the debt was not paid off. ic policy is questionable; and foyer of the Federal Min- “Anyone currently calling for monetary By 2002, it had become ap- even when the state’s judg- istry of Economics in Ber- parent that debt does not ment on matters of the econ- lin. Recently the legend- policy must now also contend with the lead to sustainable growth. omy is accurate, policies that ary economics minister At that point, governments aim to shift the economy in (1949–1963) and German scourge of negative interest rates shifted to instrumental- one direction or another are al- chancellor (1963–1966) izing monetary policy as a most certain to backfire. Only received a new neighbor: Karl ing Stability and Growth in the ure of this policy did not cause tool for economic growth. For the debt remains. But for now, Schiller, Germany’s minister Economy marked the heyday it to be abandoned. Instead it the U.S. Federal Reserve and the the current monetary policies of economics from the Social of the conviction that the gov- was pursued with even greater European Central Bank, mon- look set to continue. ■ Democratic Party between 1966 ernment was not only able but vigor and financial outlay than etary value has taken a back seat and 1972. This addition repre- obligated to ensure steady eco- before. Nearly all western na- to promoting growth. But just Roland Tichy is one of Ger- sents more than a battle be- nomic growth. And this was to tions followed a similar path, as in the 1990s, debt policy has many’s most renowned tween the political parties over be accomplished by public debt, with similar results. reached the limits of its efficacy. business journalists. He also the interpretation of history. as British economist John May- Interest rates are nil, and anyone runs the website “Tichys The controversy exemplified by nard Keynes had explained. Obsessive interventionism who is currently calling for mon- Einblick” (www.rolandtichy.de) the differences between Erhard This story is particularly fas- etary policy must now also con- and Schiller continues to have cinating in light of current de- Indeed, inflation had already tend with the scourge of negative an impact on public debt and bates. Ludwig Erhard, whose become a problem under Schil- interest rates, which would re- expansive monetary policy to- policies had led to the postwar ler’s tenure. In 1967 and 1968, quire yet another plague, namely day – an impact that has largely German economic miracle, re- the inflation rate was still under to scrap cash altogether. been forgotten, perhaps because jected economic growth as an two percent. By 1971, the inflation Karl Schiller, one of the archi- it calls into question the much- overarching imperative. He be- rate exceeded five percent for the tects of this new policy, came touted primacy of politics. lieved that it was a matter for first time. Two years later, it was to this conclusion early on. He every individual to either work seven percent. Despite this un- realized his plan had failed. Stability laws more or work less. So what was fortunate development, the Fed- Policymakers increased debt the point of artificially enforc- eral Reserve, the Bank of Japan, with alacrity but refused to A dispute over public debt cost ing growth if people preferred the Bank of England, the Bank of turn off the tap to reduce debt Ludwig Erhard his chancellor- spending a greater share of their China, and the European Central once the economy was boom- ship. Despite a flagging econo- time in leisure pursuits? Bank have now all started to push ing. In 1972, he decided to re- my, Erhard continued to reject But these reservations were policies of growth, taking over tire from government. debt as an overall management brushed aside. Growth took on the reins from a fiscal policy that In the subsequent parliamen- strategy. Toward the end of his the force of law, and not just in has become severely overextend- tary election, Karl Schiller even

term in office, Erhard intro- Germany. Around the world, ed. All of these institutions have joined with Ludwig Erhard to Tichy Roland

DILEMMA OF REGULATION The World of Finance in Uncertain Times – What about the Investor?

By Marcus Vitt tecting consumers from banks are increasingly scaling back their to portfolio management services, where the consequences of advisory services, leaving an ever larger banks can operate freely within a pre- apital markets have ex- poor investment advice. number of consumers to make decisions defined limit. Some private banks have perienced a great deal of Since the start of the on their own. And without competent in- even decided to switch entirely to portfolio Cturmoil in recent years. global finance crisis, ev- vestment advice, consumers are prey to er- management services, even for their high- At the turn of the century, the ery year has seen a flood roneous worries and fears. wealth clientele. collapse of the New Economy of new legal duties, And what about the clients who are unable bubble soon gave way to the regulations and laws Rules should benefit clients to afford professional portfolio manage- upheaval that followed the – with no end in sight. ment, for example through a private bank? attacks of September 11, 2001. This massive regulato- The flood of laws and regulations has also That is the true dilemma of regulation. A Since 2008, historically low ry wave is affecting all had an impact on banks. Many financial surfeit of caution has taken hold among interest rates and the ongoing banks, even those that advisors have become cautious, concerned investment advisors. Strict accountability impact of the global finance have always placed the mainly with avoiding mistakes. German fi- requirements are keeping many potential and debt crisis have remained interests of their clients nancial institutions are becoming increas- investors out of the securities market. But cause for concern. Bankhaus Donner & Reuschel at front and center. But ingly reluctant to provide investment ad- with the European Central Bank enforcing The greed for profit, with its does this truly serve the vice. This trend is even apparent among continued low interest rates, securities have often negative impact on decision-making, interests of consumer protection? The re- banks that specialize in an affluent clien- become an even more important invest- has also played a role in these events. Pol- ality is that this regulatory frenzy has done tele. And many clients are tired of deal- ment tool. Financial repression on the part icy-makers have responded by tightening little to protect investors. To the contrary: ing with a seemingly endless mountain of of the state will have a devastating im- regulations on banks, with the aim of pro- the surfeit of new regulations means that paperwork. More and more are switching pact on pension systems. By maintain- OCTOBER 2015 | JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY ECONOMY | 13

By Arne Schönbohm steadily increasing their IT security budgets. Cybersecurity he digitization and net- has become an important issue working of the economy during acquisitions of competi- T and society seems un- tors and in corporate mergers. stoppable. This development, To maximize their security, Ger- which permits continuous com- man enterprises are constantly munication between man and searching for new solutions and machine, is transforming our in- instituting new alliances, such as dustrial landscape in profound the German Cyber Security Hub ways. With the rise of Industry Electricity (Cyberhub-E), an alli- 4.0 and the Internet of Things, ance of energy companies that is cars will be driverless, factory developing cybersecurity strate- machinery will be guided from gies and concepts. Last month, smartphones, and agricultural four major German companies fields will be planted and har- – Volkswagen, Allianz, Bayer and vested automatically through BASF – teamed up to fight cyber- machines guided by GPS sig- criminals. The new venture will nals. Such scenarios, which sell information-technology secu- until recently were the stuff of rity services to help companies in sci-fi films, are now becoming Germany identify cyber risks and

a reality. 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode) Samoilov/Flickr/CC BY Yuri ward off attacks.

Organized robbery WEB SAFETY Towards innovative solutions

The brave new world of digi- German Defense Minister Ur- tization and networking brings sula von der Leyen’s April 2015 with it an unprecedented op- Watch Out: Cyberattack! visit to the NATO cyber defense portunity for economic devel- center in Tallinn could represent opment. But it also poses enor- a turning point in German cyber mous risks, which could easily Government must invest to enhance security policies. According to initial re- take on dystopian dimensions. ports, the issue of cybersecurity Sabotage, extortion, espionage, been forced to acknowledge that 1.25 percent of the budget of the is only 25 percent, and the intro- will play a more prominent role in and other forms of organized states and governments are also Federal Ministry of the Interior, of duction of such “placebo” regula- the 2016 Bundeswehr White Paper, criminality are also a reality of vulnerable to massive cyberat- which the BSI is a part. tions will do nothing to improve in which the German government cyberspace. Indeed, by 2009 tacks. In the 2007 series, near- defines its security policy guide- cybercrime had become more ly the entire banking system of New law is no remedy lines and which is scheduled for profitable than drug trafficking. the Baltic nation was brought to presentation at the end of the year. In February 2015, it was report- a standstill for several days. The The cyberattack carried out on This would appear to be a move in ed that the Carbanak cybergang cyberattack was a targeted strike the German Bundestag earlier the right direction. In the event had stolen up to US$ 1 billion on state sovereignty and on the this year, which lasted for sev- of a large-scale real-world attack, from a total of more than 100 freedom of Estonian citizens. In- eral months and led to data theft the armed forces would be called banks worldwide. Ordinary citi- deed, NATO General Secretary from the parliament’s comput- upon to respond. In the event of zens can now commission the Jens Stoltenberg has stated that ers, demonstrates that German a digital attack on German soil, services of cybercriminals via cyberattacks could also trigger policymakers have underesti- however, the responsibility would the Darknet, a hidden and anon- the mutual defense clause under mated the importance of cyber- lie with the Federal Ministry of the ymous underbelly of the search- Article 5 of the NATO Charter. security. The new IT Security Interior and its agencies. The ques- able web. On the Darknet, ser- While other countries realized Act passed by the Bundestag in tion arises whether the German vices available for purchase at an early stage that successful mid-June is unlikely to remedy public domain Bundeswehr may not be in a bet- range from human trafficking digitization requires IT security, this situation. One provision of ter position to ensure Germany’s and weapons to the hiring of two years ago the German gov- the new law requires operators cybersecurity. At the same time, contract killers. ernment was still describing the of critical infrastructure – mean- Germany would be well advised Because of their technological Internet as a kind of “terra incog- ing infrastructure that is of key to establish a coordinating of- know-how, German companies nito”. Programs such as the “Digi- importance to the functioning fice at the highest level, based in are an especially attractive target tal Agenda” and the initiative “In- of the state – to report signifi- the Federal Chancellery, along the for cybercriminals. The potential dustrie 4.0” high-tech strategy are cant IT security incidents to the U.S. and Israeli model. In a man- annual damage caused by cyber- ner analogous to the structure of crime is estimated at € 51 billion the intelligence services, this co- (US$ 57 billion), or approximate- ordinating office would enable the ly 1.6 percent of Germany’s GDP. harnessing of resources of a variety And the potential impact of cy- “The attack on the German of institutions, and would more berattacks could be devastating. this situation. Also, the new law efficiently coordinate the vari- For example, this past year a Ger- Bundestag shows that will do nothing to change the ous measures undertaken by the man steel mill was hacked in a policymakers have underestimated fact that the Internet currently Bundeswehr, the Federal Ministry cyberattack. And it is not only operates as a kind of legal vac- of the Interior, the intelligence ser- large companies that have been the importance of cybersecurity uum. But accepting this state of vices, and the German states. the targets of such attacks. Up affairs poses a grave risk to our Such a step would help enhance to 10 percent of SMEs have also future. Instead, we must develop Germany’s security policy, even fallen victim to such attacks. intended to reduce that gap. But BSI. Unfortunately, government a vision of an Internet that is free given current budgetary con- Alongside industrial and eco- German policy in matters of IT se- agencies and institutions such of cybercrime. straints. This would allow Ger- nomic policy, digitization also curity is still lagging, in part due as the Bundestag are not classi- This kind of governance by many to become a driver of in- poses new challenges to interna- to very low levels of government fied as critical infrastructure un- bureaucracy also exacts a price novative cybersecurity solutions, tional security and defense pol- investment. The agency in charge der the law. Moreover, the new on private enterprise. When rather than continuing to play a icy. Since 2007, when a series of of IT infrastructure in Germany, law will lead to a flood of inci- the state’s remedy is little but game of catch-up in this sphere.■ cyberattacks were carried out on the Federal Office for Information dent reports which the authori- a sham, private enterprise is a number of Estonian organiza- Security (BSI), in 2014 presided ties are not currently equipped to forced to take matters into its Arne Schönbohm is president of tions, including the parliament, over a budget of € 79 million. This handle. At present, the clearance own hands. In recent years, Cyber-Sicherheitsrat Deutsch- ministries, and banks, we have corresponds to approximately rate for cybercrime in Germany German companies have been land e.V., founded in 2012

ing artificially low interest rates, the state is clients. In the early stage of the regulatory Here in Germany, increased regulation iar types of investment, but unfamiliar reducing its financing costs at the expense process, there were a number of ideas that has not led to better advising or better forms of investment are exactly what are of citizens. And citizens, in turn, are forced have indeed benefited clients, including the consumer understanding in matters re- necessary under current conditions. This to take higher risks in their retirement plan- regulations related to cost transparency. lated to finance. On the contrary – and will also require that policy-makers keep ning. Under these conditions, expert and But for financial institutions, increased this is a problem that must urgently be step. In so doing, we will be better able reliable financial advising has become even regulation also leads to increased data addressed. Banks must join in opposition to weather these turbulent times. ■ more important. processing and IT costs. The regulatory to policies that will only serve to disen- Banks do not object to reasonable regu- requirements are exactly the same for a franchise their clients, and banks must Marcus Vitt is Spokesman of the lation – on the contrary. Rules have their small bank as for a large one. And this, work together to find forward-looking Management Board of Donner & purpose. But rules should also benefit the too, makes no sense. solutions. Many are wary of unfamil- Reuschel Private Bank 14 | ECONOMY JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | OCTOBER 2015

GERMANY TRADE AND INVEST THE SPUDY COLUMN

Asian Stock Market Combining the Best of Two Worlds and Private Investors Export initiative advises SMEs regarding market opportunities in Israel By Jens Spudy

ervousness has returned to events are conducted in the capital markets thanks collaboration with the N to some strong fluctuations German Chamber of Com- in stock prices these past few weeks. merce and the German- After China’s most recent posting of Israeli Life Sciences Com- economic data significantly weaker mittee, and receive support than expected, the DAX dropped by from the German embassy as much as 4.7 percent. Depreciation in Tel Aviv. of the country’s currency, the ren- At the University of the minbi, by the central bank and the Negev in Beersheba, for fall in commodity prices suggest that example, the initiative the Chinese economy is doing worse helped organize a podium than previously believed. discussion, workshop and The DAX descended from its all- discussions on the topic time high of 12,390.75 points all the of biomanufacturing. The way down to 9,648.43. This has nat- focus of these events was urally led to questions of whether manufacturing very small we are facing a new global econom- quantities of biotechno- ic crisis. I consider such fears to be logical substances for use exaggerated. China is still a positive in clinical studies. Ger- driver for the global economy, with

Germany Trade & Invest/AHK Israel & Invest/AHK Trade Germany many is very advanced in its gross domestic product of more Growth sector healthcare: participants at the biomanufacturing workshop in Beersheba this field, second only to than 10,000 billion dollar, even at the U.S. worldwide. The much lower growth rates. By Tilo Mandry new ideas and found new businesses. In events demonstrated how German con- And yet, a glance at the portfolio Germany, SMEs tend to be family-owned tract manufacturers can meet the specif- balance will displease many private ermany’s life science sector is and passed down from generation to gen- ic needs of their Israeli clients. investors. It is closely followed by re- wide-ranging, extending from eration. As a result, tradition tends to play flections on how best to respond to pharmaceuticals and medi- a significantly larger role in a variety of Clinical studies the current situation. cal technology to biotechnol- respects than in Israel. A German com- In view of the continued expan- Gogy to the manufacturing of electronic pany that has been producing endoscopes At the Life Sciences Israel conference, a sionary mon- healthcare devices. Alongside well-es- for many years will tend to stick to their forum was held on the execution of clini- etary policy, a tablished larger companies, the sector tried-and-true technological approach, cal trials. The forum focused on how data notable change also includes many small and mid-sized and refine it on an ongoing basis. In Is- from clinical studies can be utilized for in interest rates enterprises (SMEs). For these SMEs, Isra- rael, companies in the life science sector the regulatory approval of pharmaceuti- is not to be ex- el is an exciting opportunity. For one, Is- tend to be especially innovative in their cals. Germany is an important site for the pected anytime rael offers a market for German products. search for new solutions. For example, an execution of clinical studies. soon. Inflation But German companies can also benefit Israeli company invented a capsule cam- At an event held to mark the 50th an- in the eurozone from the innovative potential of Israel’s era that is swallowed by patients in order niversary of diplomatic relations between remains at a very healthcare sector. To date, however, Ger- to deliver images from inside the patient’s Germany and Israel, the focus was on low level due to man companies have not fully exploited body. This capsule camera represents an partnerships with industrial enterprises largely stagnant this potential, to the detriment of both entirely new approach, rather than sim- and financing via venture capital funds. unit labor costs the German and Israeli sectors. ply an elaboration of existing endoscopic Much like in the U.S., the venture capi- and falling com- Spudy Invest Jens Spudy, modity prices. These circumstances Favorable prospects make it difficult to anticipate a sharp increase in interest rates – even in the Generally speaking, economic rela- longer term. This means the trend of tions between Germany and Israel in Israeli innovation and German quality: investors moving from fixed-income the healthcare sector are largely ignored “ investments to the stock markets and by the press. One exception was Israeli the future will see many more joint and other alternatives will continue. drugmaker TEVA’s 2010 acquisition of Investors should therefore use the the German generics manufacturer ratio- collaborative projects opportunity presented by the latest pharm, which received significant inter- market corrections to check their national attention. TEVA is the world’s current asset allocations: What mar- largest generics manufacturer. Economic technology. But it is precisely these differ- tal scene in Israel is a lively one. In Ger- kets experienced particularly strong prospects for German companies in Is- ences in corporate culture that make col- many, by contrast, direct participation by drops? Where is it worthwhile to rael’s healthcare sector are favorable. Is- laboration between Germany and Israel established industrial enterprises plays a make new investments or to rein- rael is already Germany’s second-largest so fruitful. much larger role in the financing of start- vest? What asset classes are still trade partner in the Middle East, and ups and young companies. The Export missing in my portfolio because they Israel’s population is increasing rapidly. Potential partners Initiative for the German Health Care seemed too expensive two months Although its population is still relatively Industry provided information on differ- ago? What assets or countries, like young, the percentage of elderly is grow- But what steps are necessary to launch ent approaches and described how Israeli India or Russia, have I been ignor- ing fast, a trend that will also increase de- a German-Israeli joint venture? Are Ger- companies can go about finding a suitable ing? What investments have become mand for healthcare products. Imports man partners able to obtain licenses for partner in Germany – and vice versa. so large compared to my original al- of German medical technology to Israel Israeli products? And how can a German In part due to the work of the Export Ini- location that they now represent rose 2.7 percent in 2014, even though business collaborate with an Israeli part- tiative for the German Health Care Indus- a cluster risk for my portfolio and public hospitals were not fully funded ner to refine a product, or enter a third try, German-Israeli relations in this sector should therefore be reduced? And for a portion of the year. With imports market? The Export Initiative for the Ger- have blossomed over the past four years. how am I positioned regarding divi- totaling US$ 137 million, Germany is Is- man Health Care Industry provides assis- German SMEs are growing increasingly dend stocks that may be able to off- rael’s second largest exporter of medical tance to German SMEs establishing con- familiar with the Israeli mentality. The set short-term losses with their high technology, topped only by the U.S. tact with potential Israeli partners, and overall conditions and parameters are dividends? German businesspeople in Israel gen- in obtaining answers to these and other good, and the future will likely see more The somewhat laborious task of erally find that the Israeli mentality is questions. The initiative is financed by joint and collaborative projects. Increased setting dynamic stop-loss limits different from their own. As a rule, Is- the German Ministry of Economics and opportunities for intensive collaboration in accounts can secure profits and raelis tend to make quick and sponta- maintains competitive neutrality in its will help bring together the best of both give investors considerable peace of neous decisions. In German companies, operations. Over the past four years, the worlds: German quality standards, and Is- mind in tense times should negative the decision-making process tends to be initiative has succeeded in strengthening raeli innovation. ■ news result in another sudden drop significantly longer and more thorough. the position of German SMEs in Israel. on the market. ■ But other differences exist as well. Israeli To help establish contacts between com- Tilo Mandry is director of the Export companies in the healthcare sector are panies, the initiative organizes podium Initiative for the German Health Care Jens Spudy is executive partner often headed by serial entrepreneurs – discussions and workshops at trade fairs Industry at Germany Trade and Invest, of Spudy Invest people who continuously come up with and congresses in Israel. Most of these a partner of the Ministry of Economics OCTOBER 2015 | JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY ARTS & CULTURE | 15

MICHAEL NAUMANN Music Can Offer Hope Barenboim-Said Academy shall foster reconciliation between peoples embroiled in conflict

hat are your hopes sophical contemplation. My for the Barenboim- work here is an extension of my Said Academy? life as a manager, which was also I am hoping for an aspect of my work as a pub- Wthe institutionalization of the lisher and editor-in-chief. But idea that is embodied in the my main motivation was that, West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. at the age 70, I was still eager to We want to show that joint mu- attempt something completely sic-making can help foster har- new. I first met Daniel Barenbo- mony between two Middle East- im through my work as the Ger- ern peoples that are embroiled man Secretary of Culture. in a deep political and cultural conflict. Music can offer both Daniel Barenboim had hoped to consolation and hope. With the perform with the Staatskapelle Academy, Daniel Barenboim has Berlin in Tehran. But permission elevated the West-Eastern Divan was denied by the Iranians… Orchestra to a new level – that of Plans for this concert project had a college of music. Our Academy been underway for a year, with is a symbolic project that aims to support from a former German build upon the powers of recon- ambassador and a leading Irani- ciliation inherent in music. an foreign affairs politician, and We are not assuming that the with the agreement of the cultur- Academy can bring about peace al commissioner of the mayor of in the Middle East. We are too small for that, in any case. But we In my view, these kinds of cul- We had well over 100 applica- ed that the Nazis would use gas want to demonstrate that peace tural rearguard actions on the tions. Many came from Israel. in their campaign against Jews. is possible. part of the mullahs are a sign But an even larger number of re- In my view, the 19th and 20th The mullah that the fundamentalist regime sponses came from students of centuries embody the moral, The Academy is still under con- “ in Iran will eventually lose its Arab background, hailing from intellectual and political defeat struction. Once it is finished, can grip on power. First they agreed Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, and Leba- of the idea of the intellectual. you imagine it also offering a regime will to take part and then they can- non. I’m always amazed and de- Intellectuals have not always home to refugees? celled, which demonstrates that lighted to see how familiar the been “politically impotent” – Of course. We will be housed in eventually there are two layers of decision- Arab middle class is with classi- on the contrary. In any case, I a public building. In the event of a making in Iran. The Iranian capi- cal European music. That’s very never saw myself as an intellec- shortage of space, we would make lose its grip tal is more pragmatic than Qom. different from what we see here, tual. For me, the 20th century ourselves available, at least on a And as they say there: as Tehran, where only a minority are famil- intellectual, in particular, was short-term basis. I can empathize on power so goes the rest of the country… iar with Arab music. a person who professed specu- with the plight of the refugees – Ever since Verdi – for example, lative, salvational theories of not least because I experienced The nuclear deal with Tehran the premiere of Aida at Cairo history and society – such as it myself as a boy, when we fled focuses on the technical aspects opera house – European opera Marxism or fascism – someone the former East Germany. I know Tehran. The date had been sched- – but it doesn’t contain a recog- has been familiar to people all who believed himself capable what it means to flee, to lose one’s uled, the financing secured, the nition of the right of all states, in- around the Mediterranean. So of offering or imposing sweep- home overnight, and to be forced airplane had been chartered. Then cluding Israel, to exist. Does this we’re also drawing upon that ing solutions to political, eco- to start over in a new place, in we were informed that the concert take you aback? cultural and historical reser- nomic or religious problems. deep poverty. My mother came would have to be postponed, as no It does, yes. But I am in favor of voir. We assume that our young That tradition never existed in from a family of mixed Jewish de- suitable concert hall was available the deal. Will Iran remain a threat musicians will return to their England. Of course, this clas- scent, and corresponded regular- for the performance. Then came to Israel? Yes, of course – also be- home countries after complet- sical figure of the intellectual ly with her relatives who had emi- the sudden observation by a min- cause they help finance Hezbol- did also exist in England, grated to New York and England. istry spokesman that Barenboim lah. The Iranians won’t let go of but they were gener- In March 1953, she discovered by was an Israeli citizen – which was their ideological Israel-phobia ally regarded as ec- sheer coincidence that the Stasi not new information to anyone in- quite so easily. But if the centrics. But here in [the GDR’s State Security Service] volved, of course. U.S. Senate had blocked the continental Europe, was planning her arrest, suppos- implementation of the deal, in some countries at edly for sabotage or espionage. When it comes to the nuclear two things would have hap- least, they ascended So we fled Köthen overnight, and deal between Iran and the UN pened. First, Iran would have to power – for ex- finally made our new home in Security Council’s five perma- felt vindicated in its evident ample Goebbels in West Germany. nent members plus Germany, mania for nuclear weapons. Germany, Gentile isn’t it a worrisome sign that a Second, the international Model of the Barenboim-Said Academy in Berlin in Italy, Lenin and How long did it take you to ac- musician who is working to over- boycott regime would never Trotsky in Russia; cept Daniel Barenboim’s offer of come differences, and who has have been reinstated. Foreign ing their training – to the ex- all intellectuals who seemed to the post of director of the Acad- been the target of a great deal of visitors and investors are already tent that’s possible, at least. have supped on blood… emy? criticism within Israel for his ef- lining up in Tehran. We aren’t aiming for something Well, I have to say, I didn’t en- forts, is denied permission to ap- that is mere window dressing. … and who had read Marx, who gage in any kind of deep philo- pear in Iran? The Barenboim-Said Academy is Our goals are also eminently said that the philosophers had something of an ivory tower – its practical. Our graduates will be only interpreted the world, but curriculum will focus on music, able teach music in schools and the point was to change it… philosophy, cultural history… conservatories in their home … and in that sense, that is I have nothing against ivory countries, or work as profes- why the concept of the intellec- towers. The ivory towers of the sional musicians. They will be tual has a slight whiff of decay German university gave birth artists who can set an example, about it. Currently we’re expe- to the great scientific break- who can carry forth the ideals riencing a state of relative intel- throughs of the 19th century. It is of shared music-making, criti- lectual calm. We’re a bit more Barenboim’s hope that the Acad- cal thinking, and harmony. pragmatic in our thinking these emy will give young musicians in days, and I’d say that’s not such training a solid foundation in the Politics and art: Karl Kraus once a bad thing… ■ humanities. said, “About Hitler, I have nothing to say.” … How do you explain the Michael Naumann served as The first thirteen scholarship stu- political impotence of intellectuals? Germany’s first Secretary of dents have arrived in Berlin. What But Karl Kraus in fact went on Culture (1998–2001). He was

JVG (3) JVG kinds of students applied for ad- to say a great deal about Hitler. appointed director of the Michael Naumann talked to Elisabeth Neu and Rafael Seligmann mission to the Academy? For example, in 1933 he predict- Barenboim-Said Academy in 2012 16 | ARTS & CULTURE JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | OCTOBER 2015

JEWISH HERITAGE The Moment to Save Our History is Now Leo Baeck Institute’s urgent mission

By Carol Kahn Strauss terity. The birth and death records of every Jew in the city of Frankfurt going ews in Germany joined the modern back to the 13th century; the first edi- world well prepared. For centuries tion of Martin Luther’s scathingly anti- J they had studied Talmud and oth- Semitic book, On the Jews and their Lies er sacred texts making the transition to (Von den Juden und ihren Lügen); of- German poetry, philosophy and writing ficial documents granting Jews special easy. Intellectually curious and eager to favors; memorabilia attesting to Jewish participate in the progressive spirit of patriotism in the service of their father- the 19th and 20th centuries, German- land; dismissal notices to Jewish lawyers, speaking Jews happily took advantage teachers, professors, and doctors when of Emancipation by becoming more and they were no longer permitted to earn a more assimilated. living in Germany. There is a vast amount of social, reli- Emotional bonds gious and cultural history to be learned from the LBI collections that cover five Yet the traditions of family and faith centuries. It is cataloged and accessible were never entirely lost, nor was the to scholars, genealogists, and researchers sense of never entirely fitting in. The emotional bonds to Judaism seemed to remain well after the outward manifesta- York Leo Baeck New Institue,

tions of observance were discarded. The (2) Pack LBI/Jon golden age of German Jewry that gener- Portraits in the LBI Art collection ated such an extraordinary array of cre- The voices of the ativity and innovation lives on along with “ called themselves Jews. “Perhaps they social dynamics. When such papers are centuries-old traditions. The Nazis could last survivors will were the remnants of a vanished people lost, authentic eyewitness accounts of neither obliterate the breakthrough de- who had long ago been absorbed into history are lost with them. velopments that paved the way for mo- still be heard here their surroundings.” When it came to the We must cast a wide net to find and dernity nor the vestiges of the faith that catastrophic end of German Jewry, it was save these papers. When the Jews of sustained us. clear that being absorbed into their sur- Central Europe had to flee their home- The library and archives of Leo Baeck roundings was a myth. Jews were always lands, there were 98 countries of exile. Institute contain some of the most im- around the world. Most of it is digitized Jews, at least to others. This postwar Diaspora resulted in wide- portant documents in this history of and online. All of it is rare, fragile and ly dispersed communities where contact German-speaking Jewry. From illustri- unique. The great German-Jewish nov- Preservation as primary goal was maintained through letters, photos, ous names to unknown villagers, the re- elist Alfred Döblin once said he knew memoirs and diaries. Whether in Ger- cord of their lives is preserved for pos- hardly any real Jews, only people who As the survivor generation passes on, it man, Spanish, French or English, the lan- is the children and especially the grand- guage is always of loss and hope, despair children who are discovering troves of and promise. The last survivors look to letters, report cards, photo albums and Leo Baeck Institute to preserve their sto- transatlantic correspondence. At Leo ries. When they can no longer speak of Baeck Institute these priceless docu- the past and how it relates to the present, ments are properly preserved to become their voice will still be heard here. We part of the permanent record. The pres- ask you to partner with us in this vital re- ervation of these materials has been our sponsibility by sharing our vital mission primary mission for 60 years. But our ef- with anyone you know who might have forts cannot end at preservation. Rather, material for the LBI collections. This may the Institute has made, and continues to be the last moment to save it. make, every effort to publicize its ongo- Jewish texts instruct us in remem- ing search for artifacts that reveal a deci- brance, Jewish writers teach us the im- mated world. Readers of Jewish Voice can portance of the transmission of knowl- be enormously important contributors. edge. Leo Baeck Institute has taken this Everything is relevant in the annals of obligation as a mandate to collect and history. Papers that might seem super- preserve our heritage. ■ ficially prosaic – perhaps a memoir describing daily routines of life in a small Carol Kahn Strauss is International An 18th-century Esther scroll has recently been restored village – can offer powerful insights into Director of Leo Baeck Institute, New York

ANTHOLOGY Third Generation Snapshots of Today

By Elisabeth Neu subway train is rattling along, to- perspective on German-Israeli analysis of Middle of a thriving porn wards a junction from which an- relations far and beyond this East politics by self- movie industry. dancing couple – the other track leads directly to – Aus- year’s celebrations of 50 years appointed German Whilst the quality guy with his pinkish skin chwitz. Hardly a light-hearted jive of diplomatic ties. Authors in- experts to totally of the contributions A looks as if he has been they’re dancing – or is it? clude Katharina Hacker, Eva politically-incor- may vary, all in all in the sun for too long, the girl, This cartoon image graces the Menasse, Jochen Schmidt and rect (Israeli) tales We Won’t Forget – a dark-haired beauty, has put cover of the book We Won’t as their Israeli counterparts Li- of love, soccer, sex, We’re Going Dancing, on socks and boots to brave the Forget – We’re Going Dancing, at Elkayam, Yiftach Aloni and stamp collecting and the power of edited by Israeli writer weather to come. They’re hold- subtitled: “Israeli and German Assaf Gavron. With one excep- the past and of memory. The odd Amichai Shalev and his German ing hands, dancing on rail tracks. authors write about the other tion, all the writers were born die-hard cliché is there too: The colleague Norbert Kron, makes The buildings on the left are taken country.” Appearing simultane- long after official relations be- German guy is “one blond meter for a great read. As for the “new” straight from Tel Aviv’s shoreline. ously in German and Hebrew, tween the two countries were 92,” with “beautiful blue eyes” … German-Israeli relations, third On the right, a Berlin landmark, the anthology contains 18 sto- established. Yet it may come as a surprise to generation on, why be “normal” the television tower at Alexan- ries and one poem, each docu- Between the covers, we find ev- many that Germany is viewed by when there are so many more ex- derplatz, rises. A yellow Berlin menting a special and personal erything from politically-correct more than one Israeli as the center citing things on offer? ■ OCTOBER 2015 | JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY ARTS & CULTURE | 17

CIVIL-SOCIETY ACTIVISM Standing Up to Xenophobia and Racism Taking responsibility for democracy and justice

By Uwe-Karsten Heye The Tuesday language café takes place in seven exhibition here is no more powerful rooms where workshops for testimony than this pho- youngsters are held the rest of T to: The body of a toddler the week. About 10,000 school- washed up on the shore of the children have so far taken Mediterranean. Thousands of part. The program is billed as people have perished while at- a “training ground for solidar- tempting to flee across the sea ity and respect.” While there, in overcrowded boats, foun- children often tell their school- dering on the rocks of Fortress mates their own stories of being Europe. The Mediterranean has a refugee for the first time. In become a mass grave. Aylan many school classes nowadays was just three years old. Small half the children or more are and fragile, he was found on from refugee or immigrant fam- the beach in the Turkish tour- ilies. The exhibition is about the ist resort of Bodrum. His pho- experiences of young people in to and his death have come to the Nazi period, but also about symbolize the refugee crisis – what it means for society today in the Middle East, the famine- and for young people today. stricken countries of Africa and elsewhere. There are currently Diverse and colorful 60 million displaced people around the world. In all its projects, Gesicht Zei- Several hundred thousand gen! seeks to encourage the have headed to Europe. More young to care about the society and more are coming overland. they live in and to get involved, They travel thousands of kilo- to stand up for a free and dem-

meters, alone or with their fam- Wermann Gesicht Zeigen!/Jochen ocratic Germany and for its di- ilies, because they have pinned Flight is no crime and no person is illegal – demonstration at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin verse and colorful society. their hopes on the European Union, on the rich northern But there are also those who termined to take a stand and to hemisphere. object. Protests in Germany in help – that prompted the gov- front of refugee shelters have ernment to finally become ac- Ill prepared been organized by rightwing ex- tive – also spurred on by the So- tremist groups; apartment build- cial Democrats, the conservative The initiative Gesicht Zeigen! But the European Union is ings and sports halls where refu- chancellor’s coalition partners. “ evidently far from pleased to gees were to be put up have been The CDU’s Bavarian sister par- be the chosen destination of so torched. Large-scale demonstra- ty, the CSU, remains opposed seeks to encourage the young to many people fleeing civil war tions against admitting refugees to opening the country’s doors care about the society they live in or famine and seeking securi- have been staged in Dresden by to refugees. This year about a ty and protection. The EU has a group calling itself “Patriotic million are expected to come to completely failed to appreciate Europeans against the Islamiza- Germany. It is not clear whether the current political storm as tion of the West.” Hatred and re- they will be here temporarily or to become involved in society and There are thousands of orga- it seeks to defend its borders, sistance are real and should not for ever. to take responsibility for democ- nizations and initiatives, large spending hundreds of millions be underestimated. But there racy and justice in Germany. Its and small, dedicated to com- of euro to make these borders have also been major counter- Show your face! name translates roughly as ‘Show bating rightwing extremism, as impenetrable as possible. No demonstrations, and they show your face! For a liberal-minded xenophobia and racism. Many agreements among its member where the majority of people in An example of civil-society ac- Germany.’ At the café, immigrants have adopted the name Gesicht states had prepared the EU for Germany stand. tivism: every Tuesday in Berlin and refugees can learn German or Zeigen! – something its found- the wave of desperate people The government too has now volunteers run a ‘language café’ simply meet and talk, get to know ers can rightly be proud of. ■ heading its way. A great many made quite clear that Germany on the premises of Gesicht Zeigen! each other and local people. The want to come to Germany which has indeed learned from its his- Für ein weltoffenes Deutschland, common language is mostly Eng- Uwe-Karsten Heye was German together with Sweden has ad- tory. But it was above all civil a non-profit organization which lish, but some volunteers speak consul general in New York and is mitted the largest numbers. society – ordinary people de- was founded to encourage people Arabic, Kurdish and Turkish. founder of Gesicht Zeigen!

BOMHOFF RECOMMENDS Culture First

“Never change a win- scene in re-unified Ber- various German cities, particularly portunity for the growing numbers of ning team” is a rule set lin and a cultural must in Munich, the day provided a plat- unaffiliated Jews to reconnect with the at naught by the board for Berlin residents and form to battle indifference and preju- immense richness of the Jewish tradi- of Berlin’s Jewish Com- their guests, Jews and dice. “Bridges” was the general theme tion beyond religious observance. munity when they can- non-Jews alike, attract- this year, aptly describing the draw- We are only at the beginning of the celled this year’s Days of ing some 35,000 people ing power of Jewish culture as a truly discussion about tolerance, identity, Jewish Culture at short last year. trans-national element of European globalization and the consequences of notice. Refusing the an- Another opportunity heritage. the insight that in this world today we nual state subsidy of to highlight the rele- With its many members engaged in are all minorities. Together with the about US$ 280,000 was vance of Berlin’s Jewish the cultural sector, the Jewish Com- questions about the quality of life and one thing; the justifica- Community was missed munity of Berlin could be a shin- our role as media consumers, we have tion provided was even on September 6th, the ing example of diversity, dialogue to seize the opportunity and present more startling, as the European Day of Jewish and debate. Jewish culture festivals the significance of Jewish culture and board referred to the Culture, a continent- mushroom throughout Germany, for Jewish values in Germany today. “difficult financial situa- JVG wide Jewish culture and instance in Erfurt and Dresden, and Maybe we ought to sidestep official tion of the state of Ber- education festival that echo the need and enthusiasm for liv- lines and create our own spaces, rec- lin.” Launched in 1987, the 10 days fes- encompasses hundreds of events in ing Judaism beyond textbooks and ognizing the creativity of the wider tival has become a part of the cultural more than 30 countries. Marked in museums. They also provide an op- Jewish community. ■ 18 | ARTS & CULTURE JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | OCTOBER 2015

IDENTITY So, Who Integrated Whom Then? 25 Years of Russian-speaking Jewish immigration in Germany

By Hartmut Bomhoff huge number. Since the immigration reg- ture they live in. It is not a matter of lan- ulations were changed in July 2006, hard- guage. They speak perfect German.” came to Germany as a secular Jew who ly any more Jews have come here from the One member of this younger generation had been persecuted in the Soviet former Soviet Union. is Renate Pal. “I think it was a reciprocal I Union, and I did not know a word of Nowadays there are 108 Jewish commu- undertaking: The newcomers integrated German. Today I am a religious Jew and a nities of various denominations in Ger- as well as they could at the time. The Ger- poet and writer in German and Russian. many affiliated with the umbrella orga- mans helped with the integration and in In my case, you couldn’t talk of failed in- nization, the Central Council of Jews in the process they changed too; they be- tegration.” Boris Schapiro was born in Germany, and they have 100,500 mem- came a bit Russian perhaps. Now they eat Moscow in 1944. He is a successful natural bers in all. 90 percent of the members are pelmeni and piroshki. As to culture and scientist and is currently working on what immigrants or descendants of immi- religion, the fast pace of life and modern he calls a rational theology of Judaism. He grants. media have such a strong influence that came to Berlin in 1975, fifteen years before “The influx has done a lot for both sides. things like that fade into the background. the major influx of Jewish immigrants from The local Jews received reinforcements. You could say a hyper-integration has the former Soviet Union began in the sum- Sometimes, as in Chemnitz, the new ar- taken place, at the expense of tradition.” mer of 1990. Still, he is quite representative: rivals actually saved a tiny dying commu- Has integration changed both the new- Like a majority of these immigrants who nity. And we immigrants found a new comers and those number about 212,000 in all, he hails from home,” says Mascha Lyamets. She is head already here – a big city and has a university education. of the Atid Jewish culture club in Chem- and changed nitz. “Two things annoyed me about the them for the bet- The New Synagogue, Berlin Revival locals: First, they reproached us for not 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode) and Wikipedia/CC BY-SA by Wikivoyage Pedelecs ter? Looking back being religious enough and not the real over the past For many, starting a new life in Germa- thing. But we don’t have to justify our- Barbara Fuchs from Frankfurt quarter-century, ny was accompanied by a renewed inter- selves, given the hard times we often en- am Main sees it like this: “The one could say it est in Judaism: About half joined a syna- dured as Jews in the Soviet Union. Despite Jews from the former Soviet has been a success. gogue. But tens of thousands of others discrimination and repressive measures, Union strengthened the Ger- Jascha Nemtsov who had been considered ethnically Jew- our Jewish networks there were at least as man Jewish community and certainly thinks so: authentic and stable as the gave it a new lease on life. “My impression is ones in Germany, where it They had fought in the Red that the integration is very easy to pursue your Army against Germany and was successful – for faith and your culture therefore had a very differ- both sides. Whoever Russian passport: nationality Jewish

Special efforts are required openly.” She says immi- ent perspective on the Ho- David Shankbone/CC BY-SA 3.0/(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode)was still able to learn, “ grants with Jewish fathers locaust than those who had learned a lot from Ger- in order to promote Jewish have been poorly treated: survived it or had come back after the man culture. And the knowledge and Jewish identity “They were ignored. It is war. It is not easy in the communities, locals adopted a little Russian culture.” very sad. And in the long but it works.” Nemtsov is a pianist and musicologist term that will backfire.” who grew up in what was then Leningrad, ish in the Soviet Union and had therefore Michaela Michalowitz, a Christian Dem- A two-way process came to Germany in 1992 and is now faced discrimination were suddenly con- ocrat local politician in Hanover, views professor of the history of Jewish music fronted with the fact that they did not things differently: “At first, I saw that pe- Mary Sofer is an administrator at the as- in Weimar. “Many immigrants have de- count as Jews under Jewish law because riod as one of inner emigration. Many of sociation of Jewish communities in the veloped a complex identity,” he says. their mothers were not Jewish. the German congregations were unlikely state of Lower Saxony. “On Rosh ha-Sha- Alla Vollodarska-Kelmereit, a social For the small Jewish community in Ger- to survive. But they did constitute a com- na I had the opportunity to meet people worker at the Liberal Jewish Commu- many – in 1989, West-Germany just munity of Jewish survivors. Jewish and sur- who came here 20 or 25 years ago. The nity in Hanover who comes from Ukraine, counted 30,000 registered members, and vivors – that is what united the members, younger generation went to school here, would agree: “Wherever they realized a couple of hundred in the East – the new who after all had come from many differ- and to university. Many have good jobs. that only reciprocal integration can work, arrivals heralded a revival, though it was a ent countries.” Michalowitz says the situa- But I have the impression that their back- integration in the communities has been great challenge trying to integrate such a tion nowadays is very different. ground is stronger than the German cul- a success.” ■ World Class Culture with a Jewish Core A new festival in Erfurt sparks interfaith dialogue and debate

By Gideon Wollberg A highlight was the opening brotherhood and the common concert at Erfurt Cathedral, grounds of Jews, Christians huringia has many dif- introducing the rich legacy of and Muslims in a state where ferent faces. Martin Lu- synagogue music, with can- over two thirds of the popula- T ther, Johann Sebastian tors Roslyn Barak (San Fran- tion identify as non-religious Bach and Johann Wolfgang von cisco), Isidoro Abramowicz seemed to be like jumping in Goethe have all left their marks (Stockholm) and Azi Schwartz at the deep end. Program high- in the Free State, and some of (New York) performing. The lights included guided tours its landmarks have been recog- next day, on Friday evening, conducted by high school stu- nized as UNESCO World Heritage the three cantors led the small dents who took their peers to sites. This fall, Erfurt, the capital Jewish community of Erfurt in Jewish, Christian and Muslim of Thuringia, became a magnet prayers, proving how very much venues in Erfurt, hence creating for locals and visitors alike who alive this musical heritage is. a sense of understanding and

wanted to discover the diversity of Kranz AHAVA-Festspiele/Stefan Today, the Jewish Community community. For the teenagers, contemporary Jewish culture. The Non-Jewish pupils get immersed in the history of Erfurt's medieval synagogue of Thuringia numbers around this was also an opportunity to “Achava”, or Brotherhood, Festi- 800, amongst them about 500 explore Erfurt’s Old Synagogue. val, the first event of its kind in Council of Jews in Germany, the and unanswered questions about who live in Erfurt. Together with a mikvah and the former East German city, at- festival featured renowned Israe- all things Jewish. “To engage in Thuringia’s Minister-President the Erfurt Treasure, rare jew- tracted more than 4,000 visitors. li musicians like Avishai Cohen, dialogue and debate, to accept Bodo Ramelow attended both elry and Judaica from the late The result of event organizer Mar- Ravid Kahalani and Idan Raichel. dissent and to encounter each the concert and the synagogue 13th and early 14th centuries, tin Kranz’s vision and supported More than an opportunity to other with respect and attention service. He spoke out in favor the 900 year old synagogue is by patrons including the German promote artistic quality, “Achava” contributed to social discourse at of a second edition of the festi- a gem that tells of a fruitful co- Federal Foreign Office, the Israeli aimed at discussing current po- large,“ explained Jascha Nemtsov, val, whose success had not been existence hopefully revived by Embassy in Berlin and the Central litical issues, highlight prejudices the festival’s artistic director. foreseeable. Concentrating on today’s Achava Festival. ■ Career at a click Your app for training, studying and working in Germany

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PAVEL FEINSTEIN Fiendishly Good Paintings A new book presents masterpieces by the Berlin painter

By Elisabeth Neu

he painter likes to act the devil. On the cover of his T new book „Pavel Fein- stein“ (just published by Hirmer, Munich) a glowering look cap- “The subversive, tures the beholder, dark brows furrow above large, penetrating the breaking eyes. But once you have climbed of taboos the more than 100 steps up to his studio in Berlin, you are greeted bestows an by – a jester. Feinstein is born in Moscow intriguing in 1960. Soon the family moves timelessness to the Soviet Republic of Tajik- istan. The gifted boy receives on Feinstein’s painting lessons; later attends arts college. Feinstein is twen- paintings ty years old when he moves on. Emigration. Destination: Berlin.

Feinstein studies at the Uni- the table a hammer placed in a versity of Arts. At that time, the delicate China bowl. Still lives artistic ambitions of the „Neue abound. The 17th century Dutch Wilde“ (New Wild Ones) paint- Masters would have been aston- ers are running riot here – “more ished to see how their genre has of a kindergarten than an artis- evolved. Apparently conserva- tic laboratory”, as an art critic tive in choice of object, Fein- of the time states. Pavel, soon stein’s brush bestows a magi- attending masterclasses at the cal touch even upon a bunch of university, has little in common humble vegetables. Time and with them. Pavel is a serious again, pomegranates and their young man, and a jester at the seeds – symbols of beauty, fertil- same time, with a penchant for ity, diversity. Dates on a plate – a ambiguity, for alienated refer- masterpiece of chiaroscuro, the ences. He paints in the style of art of light-dark, of stark con- the Old Masters. His craftsman- trast. The scales of a fish shim- ship is perfect. mer from the canvas, tempt- In his studio, where once ing one to touch them. Next to George Grosz created his works a knife and a lemon, an egg is of art before he was defamed placed, complete with identifi- by the Nazis and left Germany, cation code. These ironic refer- Feinstein works on his large and ences, quotes and twists make many-faceted oeuvre. There are Feinstein’s still lives unique. paintings telling of the transi- Desert paintings. One is toriness of living creatures and tempted to interpret them as objects alike – like the fish, Biblical landscapes, scenes from wrapped in cloth – next to it on the Old Testament. Human OCTOBER 2015 | JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY ARTS & CULTURE | 21

are painting, aping, trying to Religious themes, also Jewish capture the skull of a monkey themes, appear time and again in on paper, doing monkey busi- Feinstein’s work. Scenes of sacri- ness, courting each other. There fice, rituals and rites – but always is only a thin divide between the just a little refocused, their inter- tragic and the absurd. Just as in pretation highly ambiguous. Thus real life. the two young Chassids, their People in Feinstein’s oeuvre arms around each others’ shoul-

Pavel Feinstein/Photo: G. Lepkowski (6) G. Lepkowski Feinstein/Photo: Pavel – portraits, masterfully ren- ders. In their hands they hold lu- dering beauty, fear, the fur- lav and etrog, attributes of Succot, figures, alone or in groups, above – they are noisy, swing- hefty obstinacy and their anar- rows of everyday life, melan- the Feast of the Tabernacles. All often accompanied by goats, ing sticks and clubs, worship- chic vitality. cholia. Children’s eyes looking this is traditional – but the two their piercing eyes penetrating ping the moon or one anoth- Monkeys are romping through to the future are full of hope young men are barely clad. The the dark, are resting in blue- er. This anarchy seems to pay Feinstein’s paintings. Vanity, and skeptical at the same time. subversive, the turn of the screw gray landscapes at dusk or in homage to the great Russian lechery and malice have been Self-portraits whilst painting of tradition, his re-interpretation, the night. But the human fig- realist Ilya Repin. Feinstein’s attributed to this animal mak- – or acting the devil. Nudes the breaking of taboos bestows an ures are by no means devoutly figures are on a par with the ing it the mirror image of man showing the human body in intriguing timelessness on Fein- waiting for a Divine sign from Zaporozhian Cossacks in their himself. Feinstein’s monkeys its dignity. stein’s paintings. ■

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ACTION RECONCILIATION SERVICE “To Perform a Good Deed With Our Hands” Volunteers accompany survivors of the Shoah

By Lena Altman vidual memories, and discuss their shared political, social and aya’le, have you eaten? religious engagement. During Would you like a bowl the course of this work, they of soup?” This is how get to know one another better every weekly meeting and gain a more tangible un- Rbegins between Mrs. S. and Raya derstanding of the scope of the Bolduan, a young woman from crimes of the past, as well their Kiel who is spending a year in Is- ongoing impact today. rael as a volunteer for the Action Reconciliation Service for Peace Culture of memory program (Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste). Now 93 years The issue of interculturality old, Mrs. S. was born and grew up also plays an ever-larger role. As in Bratislava. As a young girl, she a nation of immigrants, today and her parents were deported by the memories of National Social- the Germans. She survived the ism and its crimes are recalled in Bergen-Belsen concentration Germany by both majority and camp, but would never see her minority groups from a variety parents again. In recounting those of perspectives. This has had an experiences, Mrs. S. recalls: “My impact on the culture of memory childhood didn’t last very long.” as a whole. In the Berlin districts of Kreuzberg and Neukölln, the

Grappling with history Oelkers Friedensdienste/Julia Aktion Sühnezeichen ARSP collaborates with “neighbor- Sharing one’s stories is immensely rewarding for both generations and sparks meaningful relations hood mothers” who have helped At the Siegfried Moses retire- develop joint seminars on the ment home in Jerusalem, the two other volunteers who are taking suffered violence at our hands volunteers to take part in en- topic of National Socialism. These share a meal, discuss everyday part in a year of service in one of to allow us to perform a good counters that have furthered initiatives are part of the ARSP’s topics, look at photos of Bratisla- thirteen different countries are deed in their countries, with our their understanding of history, work to help Germans with an va – especially the old synagogue, well aware, the crimes commit- hands and our resources.“ He their civic courage, and their immigrant background grapple the castle, and the Jewish quarter. ted under National Socialism can proposed that young Germans understanding of other cul- with the mechanisms of exclusion, Mrs. S. recalls the penetzel filled never be undone, and no amends spend a year as a volunteer in a tures, religions and mentalities. persecution and genocide under with chestnut cream, a local spe- can ever erase that history. But country that had suffered under ARSP volunteers provide sup- National Socialism. Building new cialty she enjoyed as a girl. Raya Raya and her fellow volunteers National Socialism. The starting port to Holocaust survivors and bridges is also the goal of the Ger- helps Mrs. S. recreate her family hope that they, through their ac- point for these projects was to be their families. They accompany many Close Up, a program under tree, writes down her reminis- tions, can help rebuild damaged a clear acknowledgment of guilt. groups of visitors to memori- the sponsorship of the ARSP that cences, and submerges herself relationships and promote mu- But his idea did not catch on. On als, lend support to elderly and promotes encounters between in the life story of a remarkable tual understanding. In the pro- the contrary. In the years follow- disabled people, refugees, and North American Jews and Ger- ing the war, Germans were more the socially disadvantaged, and mans. The program has already concerned with repressing the take part in community proj- funded more than 1,800 grants to memories of the atrocities they ects and anti-racism initiatives. young North American Jews for had committed, and the conse- They travel to summer camps short trips to Germany lasting 8 We hope to make a contribution quences of their actions. in Greece, Belarus, and many to 12 days. During that time, par- “ These were the beginnings of other countries, where they ticipants are able to experience toward restoring severed ties an organization that would go on spend several weeks perform- present-day Germany, explore to send young volunteers to take ing maintenance work at cem- contemporary debates, and ob- part in projects across Europe, in eteries, carrying out renovation serve how Germany is seeking to woman. In the Action Reconcilia- cess, the volunteers learn a great Israel, and the United States. For work on behalf of former forced address its history. ■ tion program, volunteers demon- deal about themselves. This is some Germans, the organization laborers, acting as guides at me- strate responsibility by grappling also true for volunteers who take and its founders were traitors – morial sites, and encountering Action Reconciliation Service for with the history and consequenc- part in ARSP projects in partner people who, they said, were be- young people from ARSP part- Peace is accepting applications es of National Socialism. For Ra- countries, including Poland, Rus- smirching their own nest. And ner countries. They speak with for volunteers for the coming ya, responsibility entails listening, sia, France and the United States. initially, many of the host coun- young adults from their host year. The application deadline is empathizing and reaching out, tries were also skeptical. Yehuda countries about their identities, November 1, 2015. For more while always remaining aware of Practicing across Europe Roemer, who still lives in Kibbutz exchange collective and indi- information, visit www.asf-ev.de and examining her own history Uri, remembers the arrival of the and past as a citizen of Germany. Action Reconciliation was first German volunteers in 1961. “Christians and Jews, Germany founded in 1958. One of the key “We had no idea what kind of and Israel, are inextricably tied figures was Lothar Kreyssig, a people we were letting ourselves to one another because of our German judge, member of the in for,” he recalls. But ongoing dia- Become a subscriber shared history. With our work, Confessing Church, and oppo- logue helped overcome those ini- we hope to make a contribution nent of the National Socialist re- tial reservations. “In conversation toward restoring and expand- gime. In his founding statement, with people from different coun- ing upon these ties,” says Dag- Kreyssig wrote, “In a sacrilegious tries and cultures, we must en- JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY mar Pruin, executive director of rebellion against the will of God, gage with their perspectives and Action Reconciliation Service Germans have killed millions of memories, demonstrate respect, for Peace. As Raya and the 180 Jews. We ask the people who and confront the ongoing impact of the history of National Social-  Receive the JVG four times a year ism for our shared, present-day  existence. And, fortunately for us, Be in touch with Jewish life in the heart of Europe our project partners soon came to recognize the seriousness with Email: [email protected] which our volunteers approached that task,” as Dagmar Pruin notes. Phone: +49 30 857 26 888 “Because of our history, we have a special responsibility to speak Address: Jewish Voice from Germany out against far-right extremism and anti-Semitism, and to active- Postfach 311310, 10643 Berlin, Germany ly promote the development of a more open and inclusive society.” www.jewish-voice-from-germany.de Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste Aktion Sühnezeichen Since its founding, the ARSP Taking a stand: ARSP joined the rally against anti-Semitism in Berlin has sent more than 12,000 young OCTOBER 2015 | JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY A MENTSH | 23

IN MEMORIAM Philipp Mißfelder (1979–2015) A true friend

By Rafael Seligmann your father.” In my first encounter with politician had picked a quarrel with the Mißfelder, the subject of the German- older generation, arguing that medical hilipp Mißfelder was a person you Jewish bard arose. Mißfelder loved He- treatment for an 85-year-old should not could talk to. A real conversation – ine’s pointed irony. be paid for with public means. Was this P we take that for granted and yet it Born in 1979, Philipp Mißfelder was in humane? Mißfelder smiled, and said he is so rare, and so important. Anyone can his mid-20s when we met. But the ex- had intended to raise awareness for a talk. But the willingness to truly listen to pression in his dark eyes showed that demographic problem. And in this, he one another, to absorb what the other he understood the depth and complex- had succeeded. What followed was a person is saying, and then to contribute ity of life. When it came to his plans for lively debate between the younger and to the conversation, to possess one’s own life, the tall young man moved forward the older generation. Despite oppos- values and to develop one’s ideas on the with vigor. At age 23 he was head of the ing opinions, in the end we had come basis of these, and then to move beyond Christian Democratic Party youth orga- to a better understanding of one an- what was said and transform those words nization. Three years later he was one other. Argument for argument’s sake into actions – that is indeed rare. Philipp of the youngest delegates in the German was anathema to him. As a politician, Mißfelder was still a young man, but he Bundestag, and in relatively short order Mißfelder already possessed the seren-

was a wonderful conversational partner he was on the national board of the CDU. ity of maturity. A. Koenigs Mißfelder, P. who truly enjoyed dialogue, and who At age 30, he was appointed foreign policy Philipp Mißfelder told me about the took pleasure in implementing the out- spokesman of the CDU/CSU parliamen- subject of his master’s thesis, the Ger- furthering of German-Israeli relations, come of those encounters. tary group. At the same time, but not just man-Jewish writer Maximilian Harden were both a matter of the heart and a Philipp Mißfelder hailed from the on the side, he completed a degree in his- (1861–1927). As publisher of the jour- matter of sound politics. He regarded Rhineland. As a cultural region that has tory in Berlin. He married at a young age, nal Die Zukunft, Harden was one of the his membership on the advisory board been subject to frequent changes of sov- and had two children. At the same time, most polemical writers of his time. The of the Jewish Voice not only as an honor- ereignty over the course of history, the he also worked for a publishing house. revelations contained in Die Zukunft ary position, but also as an opportunity Rhineland is also a region that discour- But Philipp Mißfelder always remained shook the rule of Emperor Wilhelm II. to play an active role in furthering these ages nationalistic narrow-mindedness. thoughtful and systematic in his efforts. In the Weimar Republic, Harden be- joint concerns. Mißfelder enjoyed writ- Once under Roman rule, it later became Any form of hectic ambition or aggressive came a target of the hatred of the Nazis ing contributions for the Jewish Voice, a disputed area between the French and self-assertion was foreign to his nature. and the far-right. Harden impressed the and lent our publication his active sup- the Germans. In his poem The Drum But perhaps he did somehow sense that liberal-conservative Mißfelder, who was port. In what would be our last conver- Major, Heinrich Heine, who hailed from his time on earth would be short. also never one to shy away from a neces- sation, he told me about his accident, Düsseldorf, admonished German readers Some years ago, I invited Philipp sary argument. but was already making plans for the to encounter French veterans “with rev- Mißfelder to appear as my guest at a For Philipp Mißfelder, the relationship coming weeks and months. erence”, for “that old man could well be public debate in Hamburg. The young between Germans and Jews, and the Philipp Mißfelder will not be forgotten. ■

SGS_JV_Thomaner_250x180_Pfade_RZ.indd 1 07.09.15 12:54 24 | RELIGION JEWISH VOICE FROM GERMANY | OCTOBER 2015 You Shall Not Stand by Idle Welcome the stranger, protect the refugee

By Rabbi Walter Homolka It is the overarching principle of pikuah nefesh that asserts the supreme respon- n Yom Kippur afternoon, syna- sibility of protecting individuals and gogue-goers around the world even trumps Shabbat observance. In his O heard this verse from Leviticus, addenda to Maimonides’ Sefer Hamitzv- “You shall not stand by idle when your ot, Nahmanides explains on the basis of neighbor’s blood is being shed.” After weeks of reflection and our reckoning before God, this verse called us to take care of those who appear abandoned by the world community. Some of us are already ‘According to the suffering fatigue from waves of unpleas- “ ant stories about massive human dis- effort is the reward’ placement. It is quite natural that people do not want to be disturbed by strangers Pirkei Avot 5:26 who cost money and place a strain on society at large. Our challenge is to remain Leviticus 25:35 that we must save the life engaged in the pursuit of justice. of a ger toshav, a stranger in our midst, if

This reminds me of the annual Pass- he is drowning or if he is sick even on HIAS Courtesy Photo: over seder: Surrounded by comfort and Shabbat, for pikuah nefesh overrides the HIAS, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, is helping Darfur refugees in Chad good food, we are encouraged to re- Shabbat restrictions. member the story of the Exodus as if we ligation implies not only the designa- bi Jacob E. Fine of the AJWS: “If our were the ones who had been slaves and Cities of Refuge tion of the cities of refuge, but also tradition displays such concern for peo- refugees. The admonition to treat oth- ensuring their accessibility. Maimonides ple who have themselves committed ers with compassion and justice is In his Sefer Hamitzvot, Maimonides asserts: “The court is obligated to murder, even if unintentionally, how echoed 36 times in the Torah. We must includes the mitzva of arei miklat, or cit- straighten the roads to the cities of ref- much more so should we feel compelled do so because we ourselves were for- ies of refuge, among the 613 Biblical uge, to repair them and broaden them. to protect these tens of millions of refu- eigners in Egypt. The Jewish story is that commandments. This mitzva is intro- Bridges should be built (over all natural gees, the bulk of whom are not them- of refugees. Jews carry the knowledge of duced in the Torah portion Masei barriers) so as not to delay one who is selves criminals but rather innocent by- how it feels to flee one’s homes. (Numbers 33:1–36:13).The Israelites are fleeing to [the city of refuge].” standers driven from their homes as a Our Jewish tradition enjoins upon us instructed upon entering the land of Ca- Hence the Biblical institution provides result of wars and violence.” ■ the love of mankind. The Torah insists naan to designate places that would us with a Jewish foundation for action for that we treat strangers with dignity and serve as asylums for inadvertent killers today, as advocated by the Hebrew Im- Rabbi Walter Homolka is rector of the respect. The obligation to protect human from violent retribution by their vic- migrant Aid Society (HIAS) and Ameri- Abraham Geiger College at Potsdam life stands at the center of our tradition. tims’ relatives. For Maimonides, this ob- can Jewish World Service. To quote Rab- University

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