Jewish New Year marked by concerns over rising extremism
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Charlotte Knobloch, president of the Israelitische Kultusgemeinde München und Oberbayern (IKG), spoke at a Rosh Hashanah celebration in Munich, Germany, addressing both the religious significance of the holiday and growing political concerns.
The IKG chose to forgo electrical amplification during the service due to religious observance, relying instead on vocal prayer and the sound of the shofar, a ritual horn. Knobloch emphasized that Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection and new beginnings, but also acknowledged a destabilizing political climate.
She alluded to the AfD party, warning that a right-wing government in one German state could lead to others, drawing on lessons from history. Her remarks came after a 93-year-old Holocaust survivor received a death threat referencing the AfD and promising harm to Knobloch herself. Munich’s mayor, Dominik Krause, also addressed the community, expressing particular concern over the rise of antisemitic narratives and the resulting insecurity among Jewish residents.
He pledged the city’s support for a safe and visible Jewish life, promising to combat antisemitism and amplify Jewish voices. Krause also highlighted the vibrancy of Munich’s Jewish community, noting recent celebrations of the Beth Shalom community’s 30th anniversary and an exhibit of Rachel Salamander’s archive.
