Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on 14 November 2026 Jewish Museum Berlin for its educational work and warned against antisemitism. At a celebration marking the institution’s 25th anniversary, he called on people to stand alongside Jews in Germany. That evening, the museum also presented its Prize for Understanding and Tolerance to journalist Düzen Tekkal and entrepreneur Michael Moritz.
Steinmeier said antisemitic voices were once again growing louder and more aggressive in Germany. He paired his warning with an appeal not to remain silent or look away. The museum helped to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and overcome prejudice, the Federal President said, according to his prepared speech.
In his address, Steinmeier stressed that the institution shows Jewish life in all its diversity. It conveys not only history, but also insights into art, religion and everyday life. To portray the realities of Jews in Germany, it is important to consider both the past and the present.
The museum opened in 2001. According to the institution, its anniversary programme includes exhibitions, tours and events. An exhibition about the architect Daniel Libeskind and the creation of the museum building runs until 22 November 2026. Another exhibition explores ideas of an alternative present through artistic projects.
According to the German Press Agency, the museum’s Prize for Understanding and Tolerance recognises people who work to foster understanding between peoples, integrate minorities, and promote coexistence between different religions and cultures. The award was presented at the celebration in partnership with the Friends of the Museum.
According to the citation, Düzen Tekkal was honoured for her work for human rights and against antisemitism, racism and other forms of hostility towards humanity. Her areas of work also include interfaith dialogue, and equality in education and opportunity. Michael Moritz is involved in education and social participation, according to the citation. In particular, he supports artistic projects that bring Jewish perspectives and experiences in the diaspora to light.
The speech in Berlin followed another public warning by the Federal President. On 9 November 2026, Steinmeier had called at a commemorative event marking the November pogroms of 1938 in Buchenwald Memorial for people to oppose hatred of Jews, regardless of its political or social origins.
Alongside this warning, the role of cultural education was central to the museum anniversary: conveying history while ensuring that Jewish life is not reduced to persecution and remembrance. The museum’s anniversary programme therefore ranges from exploring the building’s architecture to exhibitions and events about Jewish culture, past and present.
Editor: Celestina Fuentes (Article created with AI assistance).