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Jewish Life in Germany

“Doitscha” by Adriana Altaras is a humorous family portrait of Jewish life in Germany. A brief interview with the author.

18.06.2015
© dpa/Erwin Elsner - Adriana Altaras

Ms Altaras, what characterizes Jewish life in Germany today?

Although there is Jewish life in Germany once again, it is of course not comparable to the Jewish life that existed before the war. And we must not pretend to ourselves that that will ever be possible again. But at least Jews do live here again.

Is Berlin to some extent the capital of Jewish life in Germany nowadays?

Absolutely. There are many Israelis in Berlin, and the city is home to the largest Jewish community. That said, Frankfurt am Main also remains an important Jewish centre, and is also where the most progressive community is to be found.

These days it is above all the Russian immigrants who dominate…

Yes, of course they dominate. That may perhaps not be true of all positions, but it is certainly the case that they are represented in very large numbers. Russian Jews speak mainly Russian, and it is not easy to motivate them to learn German. This is still a very virulent discussion. Many parish newsletters are now bilingual as a result – that was never the case in the past.

How is the relationship with Israel?

There are so many members and so many different relationships with Israel. But there is no conflict in the relationship with Israel. Some people support Israel more strongly while others show little interest. Everyone does what they think best.

http://altaras.eu

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