RELIGIOUS CONFLICT
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PHOTO. » Nirit Bialer, Founder of Habait. Taken by Joachim Wagner
Bialer emphasises on the “cultural” aspect of her project, and she insists that it is seen as such. “It is very important to me that everyone is aware of the fact that it is nothing political.” What at first seems like obstinate escapism makes sense in the end. To many, Israel is just a synonym for political conflicts and religion and an antonym for peace and a normal life. This impression is also influenced by media.
ON ABOUT THE AUTHORS Sally Eshun (@sall_e) writes for an online magazine in her hometown and serves as editor-in-chief of a youth magazine. Thanks to the training, “I’ve gained more knowledge about conflict-sensitivity and am a lot closer to comprehending what journalism is really about.”
On the other hand, Bialer is aware of the ubiquitous tension in her home country: “Of course it influences your everyday life and your work. It’s inevitable.” One of Habait’s highlights is a Tel Aviv style beach right next to the Spree River in Germany. It was canceled due to the internecine conflict during the summer. “It didn’t seem righ right to celebrate while there [was] a battle going on.” In the end, even a beach party is able to deliver a political message. Again, Bialer is trying to avoid that. It is challenging not to talk about the recent events that occurred a couple of months ago. The demonstrations that accompanied the conflict brought up the question of a new wave of anti-Semitism in Europe. It ranges from the anti-Semitic flag in a foot-
ball stadium, to the attack of a synagogue in a German city. Even Dieter Graumann, chairman of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, said that this period is, “the worst since the Nazi-Era.” Also, Nirit Bialer sees this situation as worrisome. “It is quite tense. You have to be aware of where you go. The recent incidents show that Jews have to be careful in certain areas.” She is talking about the man who was beaten in a Berlin district in July; the perpetrators identified him by his Kippah, the hemispherical cap typically worn by men of the Jewish faith. Bialer is a bit uncomfortable talking about this. She created her project to prevent just that – having a conversation about Israeli culture and tumbling into a discussion about politics. We manage to come back to Habait. Interestingly enough, the organization has no set facilities. Their events are held at different locations every time. “We have gotten offers, one from the Jewish community of Berlin.” However, Bialer declined the offer because she felt like that would be another barrier for Germans to come closer to Jewish culture. “They would have to think about what to wear in a synagogue and it would make them insecure.”