Judaism - Ambassador: Hamburg synagogue should show the best
The Israeli ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, hopes that the reconstruction of the Bornplatz Synagogue, which was destroyed in 1938/39, will enhance Jewish life in Hamburg. "I hope that many will see, understand, and learn the beauty of Judaism here," Prosor said on Thursday during a joint visit with Bürgerschaftspräsidentin Carola Veit (SPD) to the former site. In Israel, more needs to be told about how much is being invested in Germany to secure Jewish life. Archaeologist Kay-Peter Suchowa informed the ambassador about the location of the former synagogue and reported on the recovery of remains from the previous year.
The Bornplatz Synagogue, located near the University, was the largest Jewish place of worship in North Germany when it was dedicated in 1906. During the November Pogroms of 1938, the National Socialists set the building on fire. A year later, they forced the Jewish community to demolish the synagogue at their own expense. The land was seized and partially redeveloped with a high-rise bunker. A feasibility study presented in September 2022 concluded that reconstruction was possible, and the Bornplatz Synagogue could once again become a landmark of Jewish life in the heart of the city.
Regarding the protest camp against Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip, which has existed near the formerly Jewish Grindelviertel since early May, Prosor stated that one must remember the cause and effect. "On October 7, Hamas murdered and executed Jews," emphasized the ambassador. "Israel has the right and duty to defend itself." There could be a ceasefire tomorrow if the terrorist organization releases the hostages taken then. But the Islamic Hamas continues to attack Tel Aviv and the border crossings, through which humanitarian aid for the Palestinians comes.
Bornplatz Synagogue Foundation
- Ambassador Prosor expressed his hopes that the reconstruction of the Bornplatz Synagogue in Hamburg would encourage a deeper appreciation and understanding of Judaism among German citizens.
- The SPD party's Bürgerschaftspräsidentin Carola Veit joined Prosor in visiting the site of the proposed synagogue reconstruction, expressing her support for the project.
- Ron Prosor emphasized the importance of Israeli investment in Germany's efforts to secure Jewish life, highlighting the reconstruction of the Bornplatz Synagogue as a crucial project.
- The Bornplatz Synagogue Foundation, responsible for the reconstruction of the synagogue, received updates from archaeologist Kay-Peter Suchowa on the ongoing excavation and recovery of historical artifacts from the site.
- The redevelopment of the Bornplatz Synagogue, a former landmark of Jewish life in Hamburg, could potentially serve as a symbol of Germany's commitment to religious diversity and reconciliation, both for the local community and the country as a whole.
