World Jewish Congress honors Axel Springer boss Mathias Döpfner

Mathias Döpfner gave his speech as an imaginary conversation with Herzl, who published his book “The Jewish State” in 1896 and convened the first Zionist Congress in Basel in 1897. All of Herzl's answers in Döpfner's fictional dialogue come from his writings or historically transmitted statements.

"I admire Theodor Herzl. As the father of Zionism. And as a journalist who admires another journalist. Because he proved that words can change the world," explained Döpfner.

"Israel is not the reason for anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is the reason for Israel"

The dialogue focused on the historical roots of anti-Semitism, its current manifestations and the importance of Israel for the security of Jewish life. "Anti-Semitism has not disappeared. It has just modernized its distribution channels," said Döpfner and warned of anti-Semitism from different political and social directions: from the extreme right, from radicalized Muslim movements, from conspiracy milieus and from the radical left. It is particularly dangerous when people believe that their own moral superiority makes them immune to prejudice.

Döpfner also found clear words on the current debate about Israel and Zionism. "Israel is not the reason for anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is the reason for Israel," he said. He added: "If Israel disappeared tomorrow, the anti-Semites would not retire. They would simply move."

At the same time, he recalled Herzl's idea of ​​a Jewish state in which people of different religions and nationalities live together on equal terms. Herzl responded in the fictitious conversation with a historical quote that emphasizes the protection and legal equality of people of other faiths and other nationalities.

Mathias Döpfner described Israel as “an imperfect democracy surrounded by fairly perfect dictatorships” and referred to the political participation of Arab citizens in Israel. His speech became personal when he talked about German responsibility for the Shoah and the consequences for the present.

One of the most haunting sentences of the evening: "Germany has the best memorial sites in the world. But Jews cannot live in memorial sites."

The fight against anti-Semitism should not be limited to speeches after terrorist attacks, on commemorations and award ceremonies. It must be carried out in everyday life: when Jewish children can go to school without fear, universities prevent anti-Semitic intimidation and journalists tell uncomfortable truths.

“Axel Springer is – according to its essentials – a Zionist company”

Döpfner emphasized that he does not see the award as confirmation of goals that have already been achieved, but rather as an obligation: "I do not accept this award as confirmation of what has already been achieved. I accept it as a reminder of how much still remains to be done."

The award has a special historical significance for the Axel Springer company. In 2014, the World Jewish Congress posthumously honored its founder with the Theodor Herzl Prize. At that time, the WJC honored his lifelong efforts towards reconciliation between Germans and Jews and between Germany and Israel. Friede Springer accepted the award.