Equality for Jews: Upj files a lawsuit against Central Council!

Equality for Jews: Upj files a lawsuit against Central Council!

On July 19, 2025, there is not only a special name day for Bernulf, but the date is also shaped by numerous historical events. So the day is particularly important for the Jewish community in Germany, and some current developments throw a light on the challenges that it faces.

An important date in history falls on today's date: in 1950 the Central Council of Jews in Germany in Frankfurt am Main was founded. Since then, this institution has established itself as a central representation for the country's Jewish communities and plays an important role in the social and political landscape of Germany. For a long time he fought for rights and equal treatment that the Jewish fellow citizens are entitled to what a central topic is in the history of Jewish life in Germany, as well as jpr .

Current developments in Judaism

The Union of Progressive Jews (Upj) has recently raised the constitutional complaint with the Federal Constitutional Court on Monday. The UPJ calls for its own state contract and regular grants, similar to how the Central Council has already negotiated. In fact, the Central Council received around 22 million euros from the federal budget in 2024, while the UPJ is only awarded 189,000 euros. This regulation is perceived by the UPJ as insufficient and unjust because it fights for stronger equal treatment and demands between 4 and 15 percent of state grants, explains rnd .

The gap between liberal and orthodox currents in Judaism can also be seen in this context: While women in liberal communities can take all offices and sit in church services, this is not the case in Orthodox communities. These fundamental differences raise questions that not only affect the internal structure of Judaism, but also the legal implications to the state.

historical context

The search for equality for Jews in Germany has history: Since the 19th century they have been committed to individual rights and religious education. The JPR illuminates the legal framework for the relationship between state and religion and states that questions regarding the practice of religion in the state environment are still up to date. From the exemption from work on Jewish holidays to the right to religious education in public schools - the challenges remain and are part of everyday life in Germany.

A look at the birthdays and deaths rounds off today; For example, Hendrik Wüst, Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, is 50 years old and the documentary filmmaker Winfried Junge celebrates his 90th birthday. But also the thought of Egon Eiermann, whose architectural works such as the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church have remembered many, does not make this day appear unimportant.