Barbara Kurowska
Tour Guide at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Berlin
Age 26
Non-Jewish
Born in Poland
Moved to Berlin 2008
How would you define your cultural identity?
“When I’m in Berlin I can feel very Polish, but in Poland I can feel very close to Germany”
What does it mean to be Jewish in Berlin today?
"I think it means on the one hand dealing with the difficult history that you stumble upon every corner in Berlin. It's the heritage of what you're dealing with, but at the same time it's this vibrant, lively city that you're in and just people from so many different backgrounds and so many different cultures that live here. I think it's combining all of those things and finding your own little place. I think there is room for everyone in Berlin these days."
Julia Paehler
English Teacher at the Jewish High School (Juedische Oberschule) in Berlin
Age 36
Non-Jewish
Born in Germany
How would you define your cultural identity?
“German”
What does it mean to be Jewish in Berlin today?
"I think they have very close connections... We have a growing Jewish life here in Berlin [with] lots of opportunities for the people to meet. And I think it's quite a vivid Jewish life here in Berlin and it's getting more and more [so]."
Dr. Anne-Margarete Brenker
Head of Administration at the Abraham Geiger Kolleg, a liberal rabbinical seminary
Non-Jewish
Born in Ukraine
Moved to Berlin 1998
How would you define your cultural identity?
“I can’t say”
What does it mean to be Jewish in Berlin today?
"It is very different living as a Jew in Berlin or in Germany because you always live against the cycle. You have your own cycle, but it is another one than the majority of people has... I personally think it must be very difficult and I have a big admiration for people who really are able to live within a completely different rhythm."
Solvejg Franke
Opera Director
Age 36
Jewish
Born in Germany
Moved to Berlin in 2009
How would you define your cultural identity?
“European Jewish”
What does it mean to be Jewish in Berlin today?
"I live here. I'm looking for Jews here in Berlin and it's sometimes difficult to find Jews. It is not so easy to find the different Jewish groups and to connect with them."
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