Eighty-four years after Jewish books were banned and burned in Germany, Germans are helping to restore holy Jewish books – thanks to the Torah scroll project of the Israeli charity Keren Hayesod. Christians Alongside Israel (CSI) also participated in this special initiative and was present when the holy scroll was handed over to Holocaust survivors.
From the Amigour residence for Holocaust survivors in the Israeli city of Herzliya, cheers and joyful songs rang out on the eve of November 9th. Jewish men danced exuberantly, passing a Torah scroll through their ranks. It was encased in a silver-colored container, which the men repeatedly kissed. Women and non-Jewish guests, such as the German ambassador Steffen Seibert, watched the joyful dance. Many things about this evening were remarkable: the Torah scroll was entirely funded by Germany – organizations, private individuals, politicians, celebrities, Jews, Christians, and secularists all contributed. They all wanted to send a message against antisemitism and offer comfort to Holocaust survivors. Christians Standing with Israel (CSI) also funded a chapter of this Torah scroll. CSI Chairman Luca Hezel considers this a privilege: “We are grateful to have been able to donate Chapter 12 of the Book of Genesis. It deals with Israel’s mission to be a blessing to all people. Thank you to Keren Hayesod for this Torah scroll project. Thank you for allowing us to participate in sending a sign of solidarity and comfort to Holocaust survivors.”
Ambassador Seibert: "Our responsibility will never end"
The German ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, described it as a great pleasure to be present at the handover of the Torah scroll. In his address, he said: “I cannot deny the fact that life for Jews in Germany is still challenging today. I am ashamed that synagogues and Jewish schools in Germany require police protection.” He noted a worrying rise in antisemitism in Germany and worldwide, which manifests itself primarily in hate speech online. “But I also see that public awareness of this has increased,” Seibert said. He further emphasized: “We must pass on the facts about the Holocaust, about the incomparable and unique crime against the Jewish people. And we must pass on the lessons of this to every new generation; that is our duty, and this responsibility will never end.”
Germany is grateful to be Israel's friend, the diplomat said. He emphasized: "Germany stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel wherever the right or ability of the Jewish state to defend itself is called into question."
Torah scribe: For me, a cycle is completed here
The completion of the holy scroll took almost a year in a Jerusalem Torah scribe's workshop. The Jewish scribe used a quill pen and ink to write 304,805 letters on parchment paper. According to the news program "Tagesthemen," writing this Torah scroll was something very special for Rabbi Itamar: "Knowing that Holocaust survivors who lost their Torah scrolls in the Shoah will read from this Torah scroll, made possible by donations from Germany, is for me the completion of a cycle."
Not all letters sold yet – promotion continues
The Torah scroll project was initiated by the Israeli charity Keren Hayesod (KH). Their representative in Germany, Rafi Heumann, told CSI: “About a year and a half ago, I saw a survey showing that almost half of all Germans had never had contact with Jews. This figure shocked me. The Torah scroll project aims to give every German citizen the opportunity to learn about and support Judaism, to send a message against antisemitism and in support of German-Israeli friendship. We deliberately opened it up to everyone; we didn't want the project to be aimed solely at religious people.” According to Heumann, the project is unique in Germany so far. What makes it special is that co-financing the scroll was offered not only to major donors or organizations, but also to private individuals. “One letter costs five euros. Everyone has the opportunity to purchase at least one personal letter.” According to Rafi Heumann, the project is still ongoing; while the financing for the scroll is secured, not all letters have been sold yet.
Supportfor Holocaust survivors and Ukrainian refugees
With the donations from the Torah scroll project, Keren Hayesod supports refugees from Ukraine and the Amigour residences in Israel. There are still approximately 160,000 Holocaust survivors in Israel. A third of them live below the poverty line. While these Jews receive a monthly payment from the Israeli state, it is insufficient to cover all living expenses. In the Amigour residences, they pay a symbolic rent of around 60 euros. The facilities also provide a welcome solution to loneliness: the residents have a common room and meet regularly for various activities and outings.
Further information about the Torah scroll project can be found at www.tora-rolle.de.
