Jewish institutions should be as open as possible
According to the state chairman of the Association of Jewish Communities, Jewish institutions and synagogues in Rhineland-Palatinate belong in the heart of the cities. "We have never hidden, we have always been present," Avadislav Avadiev told the German Press Agency. "Whether it's Mainz, Koblenz or Trier, our places of worship are always close to the city center."
On Monday evening, architect Wolfgang Lorch presented his plans for the planned new synagogue in Koblenz. It is to be built in Weißer Gasse, on the border to the old town. The security requirements have increased, said Lorch. "You can't go into a synagogue like you can go into a church." But there have to be interfaces. If the congregation were to "literally wall itself in", that would send the wrong message to the city.
A synagogue is a learning space; a place of worship to pray, study and come together, said Avadiev. "We make our congregations as open as we can. But we have to make them as safe as possible," said Avadiev. At the same time, they do not want to shield themselves. "As national chairman, I insist that the communities remain open to the public. For all people who want to come."
In the context of enhancing safety measures, architect Wolfgang Lorch shared that the planned new synagogue in Koblenz will incorporate religious and secular elements, reflecting the importance of Jewish openness in religion. Avadislav Avadiev, the national chairman of the Association of Jewish Communities, emphasized that while ensuring safety, Jewish institutions, including synagogues and learning spaces, should continue to uphold their openness to the public, following the principles of Judaism.
Source: www.dpa.com
