Jewish Congregation Builds Bridges in Hamelin
Congregation Celebrates their 10th Anniversary
Dewezet, February 20, 2007
Christa Koch
Reprinted by permission of the author
 Rachel Dohme, chairwoman of the Jewish Congregation of Hamelin, with Mayor Susanne Lippmann |
HAMELIN—[Despite] the night of the Pogrom (November 9, 1938) the Nazis could not completely extinguish Jewish life in Hamelin. The Jewish Congregation of Hamelin celebrated their 10th anniversary with many guests in their community center in the Bahnhofstrasse. What began as a small group is now a congregation of 200 members led by Rachel Dohme.
In her laudation, Mayor Susanne Lippmann complimented the congregation saying, “You can all be proud. The Jewish (Reform) Congregation of Hamelin is a community of people aware of their history and traditions and also actively involved in developing a culture of tolerance, openness and inter-religious understanding.” In their words of greeting, both Rachel Dohme and Katarina Seidler emphasized the importance of active Jewish life in Hameln.
The mayor added that many new bridges of understanding between Jews and non-Jews have been built in the past ten years, thanks to the Jewish Congregation. Members of this congregation have enriched the social, cultural and intellectual life of the city through their involvement. Mayor Lippmann said, “ The congregation is an important and integral element of our society.”
The congregation’s dream—their own synagogue—seems to be achievable. Lippmann said, “Your dedication, your courage and the support you have received is impressive. I wish you the patience and strength necessary to achieve this ambitious project.” The Mayor added that the synagogue would be a permanent and viable sign of an active and vital Jewish community in the city. Mayor Lippmann concluded, “A climate of tolerance and co-operation is the result of the positive work of the Jewish Congregation of Hamelin.
The Synagogue project demands much financial support. The national, state and local government is called upon to do their part. Proudly, the congregation points to their Foundation “A Synagogue for Hamelin.” Rachel Dohme is hopeful, “We enjoy the support of many good people. We feel their willingness to help and assist us in the Jewish and Christian world. Together we will continue to re-establish Jewish life here.”
© Dewezet, 20.02.2007