Jewish life in Hamburg: dialogue, culture and new challenges!

Jewish life in Hamburg: dialogue, culture and new challenges!

In a world that is becoming increasingly polarized, the Jewish Community of Hamburg, under the leadership of David Rubinstein, is once again committed to dialogue and exchange. Rubinstein, managing director of the community, is responsible for managing the Joseph Carlebach educational center, which includes both a daycare center and a district school. Integrative education is very important here: around 50% of the students are not of Jewish faith. The goal is clear: Education should build bridges and reduce prejudices. The community is currently developing training materials to ensure that all students attend a synagogue near them and learn more about Jewish life.

On November 9, 2025, a significant memorial event took place on Joseph-Carlebach-Platz, attended by over 500 people. This gathering commemorated the November pogroms of 1938, which resulted in devastating attacks on Jewish life, including the Bornplatz Synagogue. It is a strong sign of solidarity and respect in the Grindel neighborhood, where the relationship with the Jewish community is open and respectful.

A symbol for the future

The planned new construction of the Bornplatz Synagogue, which is intended to strengthen the community, is eagerly awaited. Daniel Sheffer, the founder of the “Initiative for the Reconstruction of the Bornplatz Synagogue,” and his team pursue the goal of preserving the memory of Jewish life in Hamburg and beyond. The Bornplatz Synagogue Foundation, founded at the beginning of 2021, supports the construction and public relations work. Its correctness was underlined by a feasibility study that received 600,000 euros from the federal government.

Particular attention is being paid to the design of the new building, which will not only house a synagogue, but also a café and a library. Abandoning fences should set an example for the visibility of Jewish life and promote a culture of encounter. The aim is to actively counteract increasing anti-Semitism in Germany, where over 2,600 anti-Semitic offenses were registered in 2022.

Anti-Semitism in focus

At less than 0.2% of the population, Jews in Germany represent a minority whose future is currently under pressure. The increase in anti-Semitic incidents, particularly in times of international conflict, shows that the issue of anti-Semitism remains relevant, even decades after the Holocaust. Estimated statistics show that in 2022 around 30% of respondents experienced anti-Semitic jokes in everyday life. Anti-Semitic attitudes are deeply rooted in parts of society, as the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism makes clear.

The Jewish community plans to use the Jewish Culture Days to increase awareness of Jewish culture and initiate various dialogues. These events are intended to help build trust between different communities and show that finding solutions to challenges together is possible.

Rubinstein takes these questions seriously and expresses the desire for a Jewish Museum in Hamburg to convey living Jewish history and promote intercultural exchange. It's about honoring the past in a shared space and actively shaping the future - a balancing act that can only be successful if we work together.

In summary, the Jewish Community of Hamburg and its members strive to make a positive contribution to society despite the challenges they face. The new Bornplatz Synagogue marks a milestone that not only looks back, but also looks to the future with hope.