Charlotte Knobloch is now 90 years old - a birthday that was celebrated in a big way. All sorts of celebrities have come to Munich. The birthday child enjoys the evening to the fullest, not least thanks to a tip from her grandson.
Munich (dpa / lby) - For Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, she is a reconciler and a passionate, pugnacious democrat and for Munich's Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) "a real bundle of energy". Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) even describes her as "a kind of angel on earth". One day after her 90th birthday, Charlotte Knobloch was celebrated on Sunday at a ceremony in Munich's Ohel Jakob Synagogue. "It's not just an honor for me, it's an immense joy for me," said the President of the Jewish Community in Munich and Upper Bavaria (ikg) and former President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany.
Actress Maria Furtwängler moderated the evening, which was accompanied by music from star violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter. Among the guests from politics, society and religion were Minister of State Claudia Roth, FC Bayern Honorary President Uli Hoeneß and Bayern boss Oliver Kahn.
That she is celebrated in the synagogue by the German head of state - a miracle for the 90-year-old. The daughter of a lawyer, born in Munich on October 29, 1932, only survived the Holocaust because the former maid Kreszentia Hummel took her to her home village in Central Franconia, where she passed it off as her illegitimate daughter. After the Second World War, Knobloch stayed despite initial doubts, founded a family and helped build up the Jewish community. She has been at the head of the ikg since 1985. Despite many difficulties, the Jewish community center with a synagogue, day care center, school, museum and much more was built during this time.
Despite her 90 years, she wants to continue her position. "As long as I can, I'll keep going." Her goal is a good, Jewish life and that people can move freely, "that the kippah is not the decisive factor, but the person as such," she said, referring to increasing anti-Semitism. The Munich Rabbi Shmuel Aharon Brodman called her "the Iron Lady with the golden heart", and Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, wished her "Mazel tov and initially until 120 ".
Steinmeier praised Knobloch as a combative democrat. She does not shy away from clear, unambiguous words, is critical and also uncomfortable. "You have built bridges across the abysses of our history. And you have always sought dialogue, for reconciliation, for a peaceful, enlightened coexistence of religions."
At the same time, Steinmeier called for a fight for democratic values in Germany. "We must become more defensive, both externally and internally. We must not allow our democracy and its institutions to be weakened and undermined by the enemies of democracy," he said. His focus was on the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine as well as anti-Semitism. It makes him angry when Jews in Germany are mocked, degraded and violently attacked again. And it is depressing that Jewish institutions still need higher protection. "Raising your voice against hatred of Jews is not just a matter for the Jews in our country. It's a matter for everyone who lives here," demanded the Federal President.
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) admired the strength of Knobloch and all Jews to forgive after the horrors of the Holocaust. That is one of the greatest gifts that encourages others. "We can only bow deeply to you and everyone who was involved in this." His words moved the honoree. "You made me the proudest and most grateful Bavarian today, and I leave no doubt: This is my home."
Knobloch spent her birthday on Saturday with close friends and family, her three children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "The last three days have been fantastic," she enthused. But it probably wasn't that easy for her at 90 either. Her grandson Jonathan gave her a good tip, she revealed: "Grandma, don't be scared, just turn the first number around."
