“The foundation of a democracy is, above all, truth”

The “Question Wall” was launched in 2023 by ELNET (The European Leadership Network) – a charity recognised in Germany as a non-profit organisation – as a campaign to educate people about Jewish life and Israel. It collects, publishes and answers questions about Judaism and Israel. The aim of the campaign is to foster knowledge, understanding and a feeling of connection, and to combat hatred, discrimination and ignorance. Since being launched in 2023, over 1,800 questions have been submitted to the website. The original advertising campaign in the print media was scaled up in several phases to include a commercial for cinemas, television and social media, an Instagram channel, poster designs, two books and, most recently, a Pixi book. The materials not only provide information about Jewish life, the Jewish religion, Israel and antisemitism, but also point out examples of common ground shared, for example, with Muslims.

The “Question Wall” provides information and encourages dialogue. Here are a few examples of the questions asked: Do Israelis play “Musical Chairs” too? Why does Israel take part in the Eurovision Song Contest?

The Kreuzberg Initiative against Antisemitism is a pioneer in the field of prevention work. For over 20 years, the initiative has been combatting antisemitism, racism, hatred, and intolerance. Its methods are innovative and intersectional. It develops educational materials and games, designs exhibitions and publishes books. Following the terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023, the initiative provided advice and support to over 1,000 teachers in Germany, running workshops and training sessions in more than 200 school classes. Through initiatives such as the “Jewish Salon” in Berlin and the “Kaleidoscope” in Brandenburg, it raises awareness of Jewish life and creates spaces where Jewish culture in Germany can be experienced and shared.

Through its partnerships, including with the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Kreuzberg Initiative against Antisemitism is part of an international network. Together with ENCATE (European Network for Countering Antisemitism Through Education), it has established a robust European network against antisemitism.

Fifteen years ago, Johannes Czwalina realised the Riehen Memorial to Jewish Refugees in a private initiative involving the use of considerable personal funds. It is situated on a historic Swiss border where Jewish refugees were turned away during the Second World War. By establishing this memorial, Johannes Czwalina has created a unique place of learning and reflection that highlights historical responsibility, individual fates, and society’s shared responsibility. Driven by the desire to make a contribution to society, he seeks to raise awareness of the Holocaust and prevent antisemitism, racism and the distortion of history.

The Riehen Memorial combines historical research with practical educational work. Since its opening, the site has welcomed almost 100,000 visitors, including numerous school groups. guided tours, talks with eyewitnesses, themed events and the development of educational materials all help translate historical insights into a sense of responsibility for the present day.