New Jewish Academy opens in Frankfurt

A new Jewish Academy has been opened in Frankfurt by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Josef Schuster.

"In keeping with this Jewish tradition, we are today opening a centre dedicated to the full diversity of Jewish thought and Jewish experiences," Schuster said at the opening ceremony on Monday. 

"For the history of Jewish life in Germany, which stretches back over 1,700 years, this centre is truly a milestone," he added.

Schuster warned that Jewish life in Germany is under greater threat than at any time since the Holocaust.

Since October 7, 2023, the day of Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel, there has been an "explosive rise" in anti-Semitism, he said, adding that it is not happening secretly or quietly. "Parties in which anti-Semitism has found a home are preparing to lead governments in federal states," he said.

This hatred of Jews must be combatted with openness, enlightenment, dialogue and "with education, education and yet more education," Schuster said, emphasizing the role the new centre would play in that effort.

The academy's website says its aim is to enrich "the German educational landscape."

The programme encompasses everything from international conferences and specialist symposia to panel discussions.

The project's costs, amounting to around €40 million ($45 million), are being funded by the government, the state of Hesse, the city of Frankfurt and the Central Council of Jews.