World literature encounters Osnabrück: Jewish perspectives from history and contemporary times

The Jewish Cultural Festival in Osnabrück is set to take place from September 4th to 7th, promising an enriching experience for all. This year's event features world-renowned authors, engaging discussions, and events tailored for young readers.

One of the highlights of the festival is the presentation of Susanne Schädlich's book, Kabarett of the Nameless, which tells the story of Leopold Jessner and his companions in exile in California. This event will take place on Sunday, 7th September, from 13:45 to 14:45 at the Literature Office Westniedersachsen, Ledenhof.

Anne Frank, who died 80 years ago in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, will also be remembered in two events during the festival. Thomas Sparr will discuss "Who was Anne Frank?" with young people aged 13 and up, and there will be a picture book cinema featuring texts by Mascha Kaleko and workshop discussions about Anne Frank and Peter van Pels for younger readers.

Assaf Gavron, a festival guest, combines utopia and dystopia in Everybody be cool to reflect on our present, discussing the role of literature in fragmented realities. Rabea Edel's book, Portrait of My Mother with Ghosts, explores familial silence, Jewish exile, and trauma. Both authors will be presenting their works at the Felix-Nussbaum-Haus.

The festival also features the presentation of Hella and Sandra Rottenberg's book, Isay Rottenberg's Cigar Factory, which tells the story of how their grandfather lost his leading German cigar factories through "Aryanization" to the August Blase AG from nearby Lübbecke. This expropriation has never been publicly addressed by Blase or the later owners. Volker Knickmeyer, who has been researching the history of the Blase AG for years, will supplement the reading with a local historical perspective.

Thomas Sparr will also present his biography of Anne Frank's diary, "I want to live on even after my death", to young people aged 15 and up. Mascha Kaleko's sensitive texts and life story will be presented in the picture book cinema for children aged 7 and up.

Avi Toubiana, festival director, explains that the festival aims to preserve memory and identity, build bridges between cultures, and inspire young people for literature. More information and tickets for the Jewish Cultural Festival in Osnabrück can be found at www.juedisches-kulturfestival.de. Admission for those under 18 is free.

Assaf Gavron's book Everybody be cool is published by Luchterhand Literaturverlag, while Susanne Schädlich's book Cabaret of the Nameless is published by Arco Verlag. Rabea Edel's book Portrait of My Mother with Ghosts is published by Verlag C.H. Beck, and Mascha Kaleko's books Mascha's Radiant Years and The King and the Nightingale are featured in the festival, published by Tulipan Verlag.

Anne's story is closely linked to Osnabrück as Peter, whom she secretly loved, came from an Osnabrück family. The Jewish Cultural Festival in Osnabrück promises to be a memorable event, offering insights into history, literature, and culture. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!