In 27 full-time classes, different aspects were methodically examined in at least 90 minutes of lessons: The range of activities for the pupils ranged from analyzing selected films to a stumbling stone tour through Ludwigsburg, designing an exhibition and preparing a commemorative event at the PKC in Freudental. Michael Volz from the PKC and principal Wolfgang Ulshöfer had the idea for the project at a joint meeting in Freudental on June 17. "Even then, I was convinced that the project was a perfect fit for the school culture of the Robert Franck School, which has maintained an intensive and successful school partnership with the Anne Frank School in the Upper Galilee for 27 years now," said Ulshöfer. He emphasized that Jews are unfortunately still subject to prejudices and stereotypes, even though they have been part of our society for centuries. Ulshöfer also made it clear: "Personally, I see it as a great stroke of luck that, after the crimes against humanity committed by the National Socialists, young people from both nations can meet in an unbiased, light-hearted and friendly manner and that lasting friendships have been formed both among the pupils and the staff during the school exchanges." District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier pointed out the 15% increase in anti-Semitic crimes in Germany and emphasized the educational institutions' task of raising awareness. "Judaism must not only be associated with the Middle East conflict. Jewish life must be made tangible in everyday life," said District Administrator Allgaier, who also referred to the district's decades of close contact with the Upper Galilee and announced the visit of an Israeli delegation at the end of November.
Department President Claudia Rugart emphasized in her speech: "We are the Jewish and non-Jewish Germans and the Jewish and non-Jewish migrants. We are all one we." Rugart is pleased that, despite the ambivalence and the force of the topic, both pupils and staff at the Robert Franck School are addressing this important issue with the aim of giving more space to Jewish life in Germany today. Referring to the Federal President's speech on the anniversary year, she emphasized that Judaism has made a decisive contribution to the emergence of modernity. For her, this year is both a year of celebration and a year of remembrance. It is important that something happens within ourselves, said Rugart, who concluded by addressing the audience with the Hebrew words "L'chaim" - to life.
The director of the PKC Freudental emphasizes why it is important to be aware of otherness. For him, learning about Jewish life is also democracy education.
Following the official part of the event, students from the business high school had the opportunity to discuss his film "Young and Jewish in Baden-Württemberg" with director Willi Kubica. Kubica was very impressed by the interesting and critical questions from the students.
