Berlin

Overview

The Program

The history of Europe in the twentieth century is marred by the atrocities of World War II. The story of minority traditions is particularly bleak, and few moments evidence this more than the era of Nazi Germany. From the cataclysmic events of the Holocaust to the division of Berlin after World War II, there is a complicated history of religion, trauma, and horror, but also a recent history of multifaith dialogue, reconciliation, and hope. In fact, Germany’s efforts to learn from the Holocaust and WWII have in part led it to be among one of the leading European countries in hosting refugees.

The program explored the roots of Judaism and rise of Nazism in Germany, the lead-up to and effects of the Holocaust on the modern German community, and the way Germany, Europe, and the World have attempted to remember and reconcile the destruction of the Holocaust.

Of particular interest was the way narratives surrounding Nazi Germany and the Holocaust are used today in American discourse and in conversations surrounding Israel and Palestine, how Germany's history impacts their immigtation policy, and how Holocaust memory impacts modern efforts to welcome refugees and seek just solutions for Palestinians and Israelis.

 

The Spring 2023 Co-Leaders were Josh Jeffreys, Jewish Chaplain and Director of Religious Life, and Kim Dean-Anderson, Senior Associate Director of Community Relationships in the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement.