Described by the leader of the Jewish community in Germany as representing a “milestone” in the field of Jewish education in Germany, the Moses Mendelssohn Center for Jewish Studies officially opened June 1 in this eastern German city of Potsdam.
Speaking at the opening ceremonies for the new center, Ignatz Bubis said that in view of the ongoing manifestations of xenophobia and anti-Semitism in Germany, it was important to promote the cultural contributions of Jews.
Also speaking at the dedication ceremony, Manfred Stolpe, the prime minister of the state of Brandenburg — of which Potsdam is the capital –said the new institute should develop contacts with local schools and adult education centers to “make clear that tolerance is being taught, lived and understood.”
The director of the new center, Julius Schoeps, said the institute would help promote democracy in eastern Germany.
The center, an interdisciplinary institute that is part of Potsdam University, will employ a staff of 19 and will offer a public library devoted to Jewish themes.
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