The German Jewish community—one of Europe’s largest—is dominated today by immigrants from the former Soviet Union. In recent years, this émigré population has become increasingly integrated into German society; young people in particular are benefiting from the nation’s strong economy, enjoying success in the science, technology, and financial sectors. Young Jews have been seeking new spaces for Jewish participation and stimulating the “official” community to develop additional activities and more inclusive programs that welcome Jews of all backgrounds.
Working alongside local Jewish communities, today JDC in Germany is:
- Revitalizing Jewish life by working with local organizations to offer a broad mix of quality programs that appeal to Jews of different affiliations and backgrounds. Innovative social and cultural programs for all age groups operate in some 30 cities, with a following among Russian-speaking and German-speaking Jews. JDC’s programs encourage cooperation among the smaller communities, and emphasize outreach to young adults, young families, and the middle generation.
- Developing tomorrow’s Jewish leaders through regional and international trainings and learning opportunities. These programs cultivate talented future leaders while helping current professionals and lay leaders enrich their skills and expand their community network to better meet the needs of this pluralistic Jewish population.
See how JDC’s creative activities are helping sow the seeds of Jewish life in Germany.
DID YOU KNOW?
JDC operates in partnership with nearly all of Berlin's Jewish institutions to foster Bambinim, which began as an early-childhood program but has developed into a popular and more inclusive initiative for both children and their families.
