People from all over the world of various religions and worldviews live in Germany’s capital, Berlin. Consequently, global conflicts and wars often have an impact on the city’s socio-political life.
The challenges of multicultural coexistence became once again evident after the Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7th, 2023, and Israel’s subsequent war in Gaza. What does Jewish and Muslim life in Berlin look like today? We will be discussing the history and stories at two events in New York.
Our first guest will be Dr. Irene Runge. On May 20th at 5:30 PM, our director, Stefan Liebich, will engage in a discussion with her under the title “Rethinking Jewish Life in Berlin“. Dr. Runge will be available to answer questions from the audience afterward.
The second part of this series will be announced soon.
Dr. Irene Runge was born in 1942 to Jewish-German refugee parents in Washington Heights. In 1949, due to McCarthyism, she returned with her parents to the part of Germany that became the GDR/East Germany. She worked as a sociologist, journalist, writer, and Jewish activist. She founded the only Jewish group in East Berlin in 1986 and served as the director of the Jewish Cultural Association until 2009. Dr. Irene Runge currently resides in Berlin.
WHEN: Monday, May 20, 5:30 PM
WHERE: RLS NYC, 275 Madison Ave, Suite 2114, New York City.
RSVP HERE (registration is not required but it’s encouraged)
Top photo: Kasa Fue, Wikimedia Commons.
