The Greens: Ensuring the Long-Term Visibility of Jewish Culture in Saxony

The Green Party in the state parliament wants Jewish culture to remain a permanent fixture in Saxony. In a motion submitted to the parliament, the parliamentary caucus advocates for preserving and further developing the structures, networks, and programs created as part of the current “Tacheles” theme year beyond the end of the year.

Specifically, the faction calls for, among other things, a statewide contact point for coordinating and promoting Jewish culture and history, as well as the continuation of the “Jewish Life in Art and Culture” funding program at the Cultural Foundation of the Free State of Saxony.

Thematic Year Showcases the Diversity of Jewish Culture in Saxony

“The ‘Tacheles’ thematic year has impressively demonstrated just how diverse and vibrant Jewish culture is in Saxony. This newfound visibility must not fade away after just one year. We must now preserve and further develop the knowledge, networks, and programs that have emerged. Jewish life is part of Saxony—part of our history, our present, and our future,” said cultural expert Claudia Maicher to the German Press Agency. To achieve this, she added, reliable structures and support are needed even after the theme year, in addition to the many dedicated individuals involved. 

Smaller initiatives and projects across the region, in particular, need guidance, networking opportunities, and long-term funding, emphasized the Green Party politician: “Our goal is for Jewish culture not only to be visible on an ad hoc basis, but to be an integral and natural part of cultural life throughout Saxony.”

Government to Present Plan for Promoting Jewish Culture

The motion also calls on the Saxon government to present a plan to the state parliament outlining how the promotion of Jewish culture can be further developed in the long term. Jewish organizations, as well as other civil society and expert stakeholders, should be closely involved in this process.

Ceremony Marking 100 Years of the Saxon State Association of Jewish Communities

“The fact that we are introducing this motion to the state parliament on the day of the ceremony marking 100 years of the Saxon State Association of Jewish Communities is a deliberate gesture. Jewish life has been part of Saxony for centuries. We bear the responsibility to make it visible and to promote it—now and in the future,” emphasized parliamentary group leader Franziska Schubert. This is especially true at a time when anti-Semitism is becoming louder and more visible again.

“A vibrant Jewish community is, of course, an integral part of an open, democratic, and diverse Free State—from Leipzig to Dresden to Görlitz, everywhere,” said Schubert. The ceremony will take place next Wednesday.