Religion - Steinmeier calls for determined fight against anti-Semitism
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for action against the growing antisemitism during the opening of the new synagogue in Potsdam. "I am determined, determined, not to rest, so that we do everything in our country to protect Jewish life and combat every form of antisemitism," Steinmeier said. "Jewish life is part of us! Only when Jewish women and men feel completely at home in Germany, then this country is truly itself." He emphasized: "Germany remains a home for Jewish women and men. I personally and the majority of Germans – I assure them of that."
The opening of the Synagogue Center is considered an important sign against hate and hatred in times of increasing antisemitism. Since the attack by the Islamic Hamas on Israel last October, hostilities against Jews in Germany have reached a new dimension. Four Jewish communities will share the new religious and cultural center in the historic city center, one Jewish community did not sign up. The old synagogue was destroyed in 1945.
Potsdam, as the last state capital in Germany, now has a synagogue again. Previously, there was only a small Jewish house of worship at the university. At the ceremonial inauguration, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens), Israel's ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, and Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) were among the attendees. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) was not present, according to government spokesperson statements.
The state of Brandenburg provided around 17.5 million euros for the new building with a sand-colored brick facade. The project was difficult and marked by long disputes among the Jewish communities representing different religious streams.
The Synagogue Center is the responsibility of the Central Welfare Organization of Jews in Germany (ZWST) for three years. In addition to prayer rooms, there is a conference room, a visitor café, a library, office spaces, as well as music and art rooms. The building is heavily secured.
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in his speech during the opening of the Synagogue Center in Potsdam, strongly advocated against the rising antisemitism in Germany.
- The new Synagogue Center in Potsdam, where four Jewish communities will coexist, is an significant move in the face of growing religious intolerance, especially after the anti-Semitic attacks by Islamic Hamas last October.
- As noted by Federal President Steinmeier, Jewish life is integral to German society, and his commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of Jewish individuals in Germany is unwavering.
- The Synagogue Center in Potsdam, a notable addition to the historic city center that replaced the old synagogue destroyed in 1945, is expected to serve as a shelter for Jewish women and men, showcasing Germany's commitment to accept and protect its Jewish communities.
- Amidst the controversy and delays in completing the Synagogue Center, Steinmeier emphasized that Germany remains a safe haven for Jewish people, with the backing of both the federal government and the German public.
