Timelines

Amid the German Empire, Jews faced a complex dilemma, balancing the prospect of emancipation with the specter of surging anti-Semitism. After centuries of enduring discrimination and determined advocacy, they gained equal rights formerly exclusive to the Christian majority. Simultaneously, a racially charged anti-Semitism, beyond religious bounds, surfaced, driven by stereotypical characterizations and inflammatory propaganda. Responding to these challenges, the "Central-Verein deutscher Staatsbürger jüdischen Glaubens" (Central Association of German Citizens of the Jewish Faith) formed in 1893. Thousands joined, resolute in their pursuit of civil rights, equality, and harmonizing "German identity" and "Jewish identity." During the Weimar Republic and National Socialism, the association served as a key advocate for Jews until it was banned in 1938.