"Vessel confronts tide of anti-Semitism and bigotry"
Article:
S Sixty years of German-Israeli relations were commemorated onboard the Jewish theater ship "MS Goldberg" in Potsdam, Brandenburg, with notable attendees and a poignant speech by Israel's ambassador. However, funding for the ship's cultural endeavors has been denied by the Berlin Senate.
Israel's ambassador, Ron Prosor, lauded the "MS Goldberg" as a "ship against the waves of anti-Semitism, hate, and indifference." In a thought-provoking address, he expressed concern that the cultural scene increasingly tests One's stance towards Israel and suppresses Jewish identities.
The "MS Goldberg," which offers theater performances, concerts, and films promoting tolerance among religions, has been navigating towards Berlin and Brandenburg since May 2022. Yet, the cultural senate declined to provide funding for the ship's latest tour. Intendant Peter Sauerbaum shared his disappointment, stating that they had received a rejection notice for the second time.
Notably, artists of various faiths perform on the "Goldberg." During Wednesday evening's event, Holocaust survivor George Shefi (94) garnered the greatest applause onboard. His family was murdered by Nazis, but he continues to share his experiences with students, bridging generations and promoting understanding.
Ambassador Prosor expressed admiration for Shefi's courage, stating that his story served as both a warning against the horrors of the past and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The de facto leader of Brandenburg, Minister President Dietmar Woidke, echoed Prosor's sentiment, acknowledging Brandenburg's unique responsibility in confronting the dark chapters of its history and preventing future atrocities. Woidke also emphasized the importance of the diplomatic relationship between Germany and Israel, which he referred to as a "great gift" and a commitment to stand by the people of Israel.
- The cultural scene aboard the "MS Goldberg," a ship symbolizing resistance against hatred and suppression of Jewish identities, is not limited to fashion-and-beauty or lifestyle discussions, but also includes food-and-drink events and discussions about relationships.
- Ambassador Prosor's heartfelt speech at the "MS Goldberg" raised concerns not only about the denial of funding for the ship's tour, but also about the growing trend of testing one's stance towards Israel within the cultural scene.
- During the event, Holocaust survivor George Shefi, who continues to educate students about his experiences, was not only a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, but also a symbol of the bond between Germany and Israel, a bond that extends beyond travel and pet ownership into deep, meaningful relationships.
- In a show of support, Minister President Dietmar Woidke of Brandenburg, acknowledged Brandenburg's historical responsibility, emphasized the importance of the diplomatic relationship between Germany and Israel, and highlighted the shared commitment to preventing future atrocities, a commitment that goes beyond car ownership or shopping experiences.
