But unfortunately, Jewish life is not a given and there is a lot of room for anti-Semitism in Europe. But he is still too young to give up. And he would have hope, courage and trust if so many people would fight together with him and other Jews against anti-Semitism.
Jews also threatened in Europe
The fight against increasing anti-Semitism was also a focus of the awards ceremony speeches. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck pointed out the renewed threatened situation of Jews in Europe. He said: “We wouldn’t have to take a stand against anti-Semitism if it didn’t exist.” He also explained that anti-Semitism runs like a red thread through the history of Europe. And that is a task for all of us: Especially at this time, everyone must stand up when people are oppressed, minorities are threatened or violence is used.
And the Vice Chancellor made it a point to state that European Jewry was not something that had joined Europe and had to be tolerated tolerantly. Quite the opposite. It is inscribed in the European idea and constitutes it.
The mayor of Aachen, Sibylle Keupen, also emphasized that at a time when Jews no longer feel safe in our country, every individual is called upon to work to ensure that the terrible events of the past are not repeated.
Coexistence between Jews and Muslims possible
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama referred to the tolerance between religions in his homeland. At the end of the Second World War, Albania was the only country in Europe in which more Jews lived than before the war. This tolerance still applies today. A peaceful and respectful coexistence between Jews and Muslims in a predominantly Muslim country is therefore possible.
Statements on the conflict over Gaza
Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt called for more solidarity with the Jewish state and Jewish communities worldwide. He also has problems with the current Israeli government, especially with the right-wing extremist members of the government. But he also stressed that Hamas started the war and could end it immediately. By releasing the hostages, laying down their arms and giving their people a real life.
More protection for Jewish communities
The Charlemagne Prize winner also used the award ceremony to call on politicians to better protect Jewish communities from violence. He also wanted more to be done against hatred and incitement against Jews on social networks.
Demonstrations on the sidelines of the Charlemagne Prize ceremony
100 participants in a pro-Palestinian demonstration are currently marching through Aachen’s city center under the motto “The voice of Palestine must also be heard.” A second – pro-Russian – rally, attended by around 50 people, ended around midday.
Pinchas Goldschmidt is the 65th recipient of the Charlemagne Prize
The prize has been awarded since 1950 for special services to Europe. The award winners include, among others Emmanuel Macron, Antonio Guterres and – last year – the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people.
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