80 years IKG Munich: A ceremony for Jewish life and courage!

80 years IKG Munich: A ceremony for Jewish life and courage!

Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, addressed a warning words to society. "Jewish life is threatened," emphasized Schuster, and pointed out the worrying figures: Last year, 188 cases of hate crime were registered in Munich, although the number of unreported cases was probably high. Representatives from politics, such as President of the Bundestag Julia Klöckner, joined this assessment and warned of the increase in anti -Semitism in Germany.

an eventful story

A look into the past reveals how the IKG was founded after the Second World War on the initiative of survivors. Charlotte Neuland, who survived as a child and later became President of the community, is a central face of this eventful history. In 1945, after the end of the atrocity of the Holocaust, many Jewish people, including Displaced Persons (DPS) who came to Bavaria, strived for a new future in Germany. At this point, the majority of the Jewish population consisted of liberated forced laborers and survivors of concentration camps.

"She’erit Hapleta", the "rest of the rescued", characterized the reinstatement of Jewish life after the war. This was a political stroke of luck for the young Federal Republic, which thus gained reputation. One of the early members of the IKG was Fritz Neuland, the German citizen remained in order to actively participate in the reconstruction of a democratic society. His daughter, Charlotte Knobloch, is today the president of the community and emphasizes the high importance of the Jewish community for Germany.

security situation and cohesion

The security situation for Jewish life has changed dramatically, especially in recent years. In Munich, many Jewish parishioners feel a significant fear of anti -Semitism, which is also reflected in everyday life. Charlotte Knobloch spoke openly: "We have nothing to celebrate, but life and survival have to be celebrated." She wants a safe and free life for the Jewish people in Germany.

Steven Guttmann, Managing Director of IKG, showed through his speech how much the current security situation deals with him. In view of the impending dangers, he bears an inconspicuous Kippa, while Eva Ehrlich, former chairman of a Liberal Jewish community, avoids being recognizable as Jew. This testifies to the worrying reality in which many Jewish people live.

Markus Söder, Bavarian Prime Minister, praised Charlotte Knobloch for her tireless work and her courage. He announced that he was naming a road to Fritz new territory in order to honor its contribution to the Jewish community. Landtag President Ilse Aigner described the foundation of the IKG as a gift to Germany.

look into the future

The IKG Munich and Upper Bavaria today has around 9,300 members and, in addition to the Ohel Jakob-Synagogue, also operates a community center. The historical importance of the IKG is evident in today's time by cohesion in the community and the well -structured infrastructure, which enables Jewish life to be shaped from birth to death.

However, current surveys throw a shadow on these positive developments. 27 percent of Germans show anti -Semitic views, and anti -Semitism is still anchored in many heads. Bavaria has therefore set up its own RIAS reporting point to document anti-Semitic incidents and support those affected. The challenges are enormous, but the anniversary celebration has shown that the Jewish community in Munich is strong and will continue to fight for a free life.

Overall, the ceremony not only illustrates the historical roots of Jewish life in Munich, but also the ongoing challenges that the community has to cope with. Charlotte Knobloch's appeal for a safe and free life for Jewish people in Germany is more current than ever, and the IKG remains a central element of this important discussion.

More information can be found in the reports of Süddeutsche Zeitung , Abendzeitung Munich and br .