Revisiting a solemn anniversary in Berlin
Comments linger after a recent gathering in Berlin assessing memories of the Nazi era and the forces that shape today’s diverse society. A 102-year-old survivor, Margot Friedländer, reflected on lessons learned and warned that similar harms could reemerge if vigilance falters. The event honored the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a moment when countless Jewish properties were destroyed and places of worship were set ablaze. The gathering represented more than history; it was a call to nurture dialogue that prevents fear from curdling into hatred. Berlin’s imam Ender Çetin, who leads the Meet2Respect initiative with Rabbi Elias Drays, underscored the need for ongoing dialogue between Muslim and Jewish communities. A Palestinian resident of Berlin, Jouanna Hassoun, and her Israeli counterpart highlighted the human cost of exclusion, warning that youth scorn can harden into political disengagement if belonging feels denied. Shai Hoffmann participated to promote understanding within schools.
President Steinmeier extended invitations for a roundtable at Bellevue Palace, recalling the dark days of 1938 when rising tyranny unleashed widespread persecution. That night, synagogues burned, thousands of Jewish businesses were ruined, and the next day tens of thousands of Jews faced detention and deportation under brutal decrees. Modern observers note that the memory of those events still informs discussions about safety, identity, and civil rights in contemporary Germany. The scale of the tragedy—millions lost across the Second World War—remains a stark reminder of what collective indifference can enable.
Concrete examples of coexistence
Friedländer stood as a symbol of reconciliation, returning to Berlin to share his message with students and young people. The commemoration carried a practical aim: to demonstrate how communities can live together while acknowledging past wounds. This year’s program went beyond ritual homage. It featured representatives who embody cooperative spirit, including a Jewish rabbi and a Muslim imam, along with local business owners from Berlin’s Kanaan restaurant, Palestinian Jalil Dabit and Israeli Oz Ben David. Their presence illustrated the complexity of interfaith and intercultural cooperation, even when emotions run high. The event was held under a scorching sun, yet the atmosphere remained charged with both passion and optimism.
In his opening remarks, Steinmeier spoke about threats to coexistence and condemned acts of violence that followed a recent wave of regional hostility. He expressed surprise that Jews still feel unsafe in Germany and noted that antisemitic expressions persist in the public sphere. Data from security authorities indicate that antisemitic incidents have fluctuated, prompting reinforced protective measures around Jewish institutions and public spaces tied to the community. Yet the country has built a sizable community, with hundreds of thousands of members contributing to a robust civil society.
The right to express pain without manipulation
The German president also affirmed the Palestinian people’s right to voice their suffering over the humanitarian cost in the Gaza region, while cautioning against attempts to instrumentalize the pain for unauthorized demonstrations or extremist rhetoric. This stance reflects Germany’s long-standing commitment to balancing humanitarian concerns with the right to defend national security, a theme echoed in recent public speeches addressing historical responsibility and regional stability.
Recent days have featured dialogues that reach beyond formal ceremonies. The roundtable format sought to reveal how communities can counter antisemitism and Islamophobia by engaging with one another rather than retreating into isolated enclaves. In a climate where political currents vary widely, the event showcased that constructive conversations can occur even among groups with sharply divergent views. Critics of integration policies note gaps that persist, but the gathering emphasized cooperation as a practical pathway forward.
A difficult but necessary conversation
Amid debates about antisemitism, a high-profile case involving a Jewish performer raised questions about bias and accountability. The case, which drew significant media attention, tested how public figures and institutions respond to accusations and evidence. While some narratives contested the events as reported, the broader discussion centered on safeguarding dignity and ensuring that all voices can participate in civic life without fear of intimidation.
November 9 marks more than a remembrance of the Nazi pogroms; it is also associated with a moment in German history when division finally yielded to new paths. The fall of the Berlin Wall years earlier remains a milestone of national renewal, symbolizing the possibility of a society reconciled with its past while pursuing a fair, inclusive future. The convergence of these anniversaries highlights how memory can inform current policy and everyday actions toward unity and mutual respect.