Munich (dpa / lby) – Charlotte Knobloch sees religion in difficult times as an important factor for internal stability. “In times of crisis, the way to church is very short. It’s no different with us, and some try to rediscover the faith that they had put aside a bit,” said the President of the Jewish Community in Munich and Upper Bavaria (ikg). Charlotte Knobloch, of the German Press Agency in Munich. “Religion provides support. I hope that its cohesiveness will be maintained and not dwindle any further.”
Knobloch, who celebrates her 90th birthday on Saturday, attaches great importance to interreligious dialogue, for example with Catholic and Protestant Christians. “I am very interested in us shaping the future together. We all share the desire to live in peace and freedom.”
She also sees politics as a duty in the current crisis. “Politicians must do what is in their power to alleviate hardship among the people. The homes must stay warm.” At the same time, she hopes for normality for Jewish people. “I want them to be seen as people and not just judged by religion. I want them not to be afraid. And that those who divide and want to eliminate our democracy disappear from the scene soon.”
Judaism should not only define itself through the Holocaust. “But the topic must remain present, because this is the only way we can prevent history from repeating itself. What happened must not be forgotten,” demanded Knobloch, who was also president of the Central Council of Jews from 2006 to 2010.
