jews and jewish education in germany today - The Westbury Group

Community]. I don’t see this plurality as a weakness, but rather as a strength. And still, if someone doesn’t
feel strong enough, they still can be backed by the Einheitsgemeinde.
● There might be a considerable discrepancy between the number of Jews who are registered members and
those who are not organized at all. What are the main reasons for this, and what is to be done about?
Yes, there is a big gap between members and non-members, but so what? I don’t see it as such a dilemma.
There are huge numbers of ‘Sabras’ and of American Jews permanently living in Berlin, but so what? Of
course, I would be happy if they would be members of the Community, but if they are loosely connected with
the Community, that’s also fine.
Admittedly, some have left the Community because they don’t like having to pay Community taxes.
On the other hand, some Jews outside the Communities are just strong individualists who would feel it as a
problem for themselves to be organized or registered anywhere. I have no problem to accept this, but of
course I am also happy if some of them, especially if they are wealthy, find ways to donate to a Jewish
project in the city.
● Will Israel retain the same high level of importance in Community life as it has had?
I think so, yes. For my generation, for example, I lived in a Kibbutz for a while during the end of the 1960’s
and the importance of Israel is unquestionable. Even if you don’t live in Israel, it’s a great feeling to know
that there is a Jewish State which will host you in any situation. You will never be alone, and the times of
being a marginalized, unprotected minority in the world are over. I think many Jews in the Diaspora have
learned this lesson, and so have our children. I don’t know how deep it will affect the awareness of our
grandchildren, but there are programs in the Jewish schools and kindergartens which do a thorough job of
dealing with Israeli topics.
● To what extent do Jews feel a part of German society and the German nation?
I think the times when Jews in this country were ashamed to live in Germany are over. There are a lot of
developments now which indicate a certain kind of normalization. Many of us feel as an integral part of this
society. However, I don’t see that a majority of the Jews are on their way to become German patriots. I think
many Jews rather are starting to become local patriots. For example, I very much enjoy identifying with my
hometown, I really like being a Berliner.
On the national level; however, Jews are not so present in key positions, and therefore there is less
identification or patriotism. Just one example, how many Jews are serving in the German army, I mean in the
higher ranks? I know of one Jewish officer, but this is still very much the exception. I think it will take about
one more generation before you can meet Jews in all thinkable positions, and only then, can we speak about
real normality.
● If you just consider the spectrum of programs and services offered by the Jewish Communities and
organizations do you think there is something that still needs to be addressed?
I think most of the community programs and services have grown on the basis of supply and demand. If there
are things missing, people will express their wishes and demands, and if it’s possible and we can finance it,
the Community will develop an appropriate program. I think about 80 percent of the demands of our
Community members have been fulfilled in special programs. But it’s normal that the times are changing,
and people are changing as well. Educational programs have to be modernized and to be varied. We have had
a well organized, flourishing adult educational center in Berlin, and they’re now trying to build up a new
series of Jewish learning. However, you probably won’t find any place in the world where Jewish educational
programs have a 100 percent perfect profile.
138 | P a g e