For the first time in 30 years, Frankfurt is subsidizing the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The city could even cover the entire cost of the celebration.
This year, for the first time, the city of Frankfurt is subsidizing the Jewish Hanukkah festival in the city with funds from the municipality. The city confirmed this when asked by t-online. “Bild” reported first.
So far, the celebration has been supported twice by two local councils with a total of 2,500 euros, according to the city. This year, however, the funding could be higher: For the first time, the city is financing the Hanukkah festival with money from the municipality. The community receives support through project funding.
How much money the city actually wants to support the Chanuka celebration has not yet been determined. According to a city spokesman, the funding should be “well over 2,500 euros”. The “Bild” quotes the rabbi of the Jewish community Chabad, Rabbi Zalman Gurevitch. According to him, the festival costs 20,000 euros annually.
Did the city feel compelled to support the Jewish festival? The city denies any connection. “On the contrary, it has been Mayor Dr. Nargess Eskandari-Grünberg’s wish for a long time to support the Hanukkah celebration in front of the Alte Oper not only with a greeting, but also financially,” says the spokesman.
After the Holocaust, it is a social responsibility to take a stand against anti-Semitism. “Supporting the traditional Hanukkah lighting on the square in front of the Alte Oper is an important symbol, especially to make the diverse Jewish life in our city visible.”
**PAA Related Question 2:** Does the provision of public funds for religious celebrations like Hanukkah risk exacerbating social divisions, or does it have the potential to build bridges between different cultural and faith groups in a diverse urban environment?
## World Today News: Frankfurt Funds Hanukkah Celebration – An Exclusive Interview
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into the recent decision by the city of Frankfurt to subsidize the Jewish festival of Hanukkah for the first time in three decades. To discuss the implications and significance of this decision, we are joined by two esteemed guests:
* **Rabbi David Cohen**, a leading figure in the Jewish community of Frankfurt.
* **Professor Emily Schmidt**, an expert on urban policy and interfaith relations.
**Section 1: The Significance of Municipal Funding**
* **Interviewer:** Rabbi Cohen, how do you view the city’s decision to provide financial support for the Hanukkah festival? What does this signify for the Jewish community in Frankfurt?
* **Interviewer:** Professor Schmidt, from a broader societal perspective, what are the implications of a city like Frankfurt directly funding a religious celebration?
* **Interviewer:** Some might argue that public funding for religious events blurs the line between church and state. How do you both respond to this common concern?
**Section 2: Fostering Interfaith Dialogue & Understanding**
* **Interviewer:** Rabbi Cohen, beyond the financial aspect, what kind of impact do you hope this increased visibility will have on interfaith relations in Frankfurt?
* **Interviewer:** Professor Schmidt, what role can cities play in promoting understanding and tolerance between different religious groups? Can this decision by Frankfurt serve as a model for other municipalities?
* **Interviewer:** Can this step towards greater inclusivity also act as a response to the rise of anti-Semitism witnessed in recent years?
**Section 3: The Future of Religious Celebrations in Public Space**
* **Interviewer:** Rabbi Cohen, what are your hopes for the future of Hanukkah celebrations in Frankfurt? Could this decision lead to increased engagement from other communities?
* **Interviewer:** Professor Schmidt, looking ahead, how do you foresee the relationship between public space and religious observance evolving in increasingly diverse societies?
* **Interviewer:** Can this initiative by Frankfurt spark a wider conversation about how cities can better support and represent their diverse religious communities?
**Concluding Remarks:**
We thank Rabbi Cohen and Professor Schmidt for sharing their valuable insights on this significant development. This decision by Frankfurt to fund the Hanukkah celebration offers an opportunity for reflection on the role of cities in fostering inclusivity, understanding, and respect for diverse religious beliefs and practices.
**Note:**
This interview structure encourages a nuanced discussion, exploring both the practical and symbolic implications of the city’s decision. It provides space for diverse perspectives and encourages a deeper understanding of the complex issues at play in a multicultural society.
Remember to adapt the tone and specific phrasing to suit your program and audience.
