80 years of IKG Munich: A celebration of Jewish life and courage!

80 years of IKG Munich: A celebration of Jewish life and courage!

A few days ago, on July 15, 2023, an impressive celebration took place in the Ohel Jakob main synagogue in Munich. On the occasion of the celebration of the re-establishment of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria (IKG) 80 years ago and Charlotte Knobloch's 40th anniversary in office, it was once again shown how lively Jewish life is in the city. The ceremony, which took place under strict security precautions, attracted numerous representatives from politics and society.

Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, addressed words of warning to society in his speech. “Jewish life is threatened,” Schuster emphasized, pointing out the worrying figures: Last year, 188 cases of anti-Jewish hate crime were registered in Munich, although the number of unreported cases is probably high. Political representatives, such as Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, agreed with this assessment and warned of the rise 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 persecution as a child and later became president of the community, is a central face of this eventful history. In 1945, after the horrors of the Holocaust ended, many Jewish people, including Displaced Persons (DPs), who came to Bavaria sought a new future in Germany. The majority of the Jewish population at this time consisted of freed forced laborers and concentration camp survivors.

“She’erit Hapleta,” the “Remnant of the Saved,” marked the restoration of Jewish life after the war. This was a political stroke of luck for the young Federal Republic, which gained in reputation as a result. One of the early members of the IKG was Fritz Neuland, who remained a German citizen in order to actively participate in the reconstruction of a democratic society. His daughter, Charlotte Knobloch, is now 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, particularly in recent years. In Munich, many Jewish community members feel a significant fear of anti-Semitism, which is also reflected in everyday life. Charlotte Knobloch addressed this openly: “We have nothing to celebrate, but life and survival must be celebrated.” She wants a safe and free life for the Jewish people in Germany.

In his speech, Steven Guttmann, Managing Director of IKG, made it clear how much the current security situation concerns him. Given the impending dangers, he wears an inconspicuous yarmulke, while Eva Ehrlich, former leader of a liberal Jewish community, avoids identifying as Jewish. 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 courage. He announced that he would name a street after Fritz Neuland to honor his contribution to the Jewish community. State Parliament President Ilse Aigner described the founding of the IKG as a gift to Germany.

Looking into the future

The IKG Munich and Upper Bavaria today has around 9,300 members and, in addition to the Ohel Jakob synagogue, also runs a community center. The historical significance of the IKG is clear today through the cohesion in the community and the well-structured infrastructure that makes it possible to shape Jewish life from birth to death.

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

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

You can find more information in the reports from South German newspaper, Evening newspaper Munich and BR.