2021 German Campus Weeks – Time To Act
This year’s UMW German Campus Weeks overarching theme is “Time to Act.” Through exhibitions, discussions, talks, and film screenings, we will explore three major themes: The German Elections in September, 1700 Years of Jewish Life in Germany, and the German Nazi-Resistance Group The White Rose. Watch this page for updated event notifications.
I. The German Elections in September
Exhibit on the German and U.S. electoral systems
September 10-24, Bridge Connector between Simpson Library and HCC
Discover the German electoral system, which is quite different from the U.S. system.
Title photo by Photo by ajaegers on unsplash.com
Panel Discussion The German Elections – What to Expect
September 13, 3pm, Digital Auditorium:
How do the respective political parties in Germany differ from each other and from the U.S. parties? Which party has the best chances? How does the German election system work? Join our panel Discussion with Martin Jungius, Press Secretary of the German Embassy in Washington, D.C. and Professor Marcel Rotter, UMW. Q&A to follow. Photo by Bianca Ackermann on unsplash.com
II. 1700 Years of Jewish Life in German-Speaking Lands
Exhibit: 1700 Years of Jewish Life in German-SPeaking lands
October 13 to November 8, M-Th 10am-4pm, UMW Hillel, 1500 College Ave.
Discover 1700 years of Jewish life in Germany. Through this exhibit, you will explore the rich history of Jewish communities and the vibrant lives of German Jews, both before and after the catastrophe of the Holocaust. You may visit the exhibit “1700 Years of Jewish Life in German Speaking Lands” at the Silver Hillel Center (across from the UC) between 10:00 and 4:00, Mondays through Thursdays. Use the arched entry way from the side street.
“A Weak Flickr of Hope” – The Fate of the Jewish Hess Family in Nazi Germany
October 27, 4pm, HCC Digital Auditorium
Growing out of a translation project of letters by Ida and Nathan Hess to their children abroad, Professor Marcel Rotter (UMW, German program) outlines the fate of the parents as well as their children during the Nazi time in Germany.
Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash
Screening of the German short film Mazel tov Cocktail
November 15, 5pm, UMW Hillel, 1500 College Ave.
followed by discussion.
The main character of the film is Dmitry Lieberman (actor Alexander Wertmann). A young emigrant from the former Soviet Union, he lives in Germany, in the Ruhr region. He is suspended from school after an unpleasant incident. In response to the anti-Semitic antics of his classmate Toby, he hit him hard, breaking his nose. As punishment, Toby is sent to wash the street pavement, namely the metal tiles that perpetuate the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. And from Dmitry, the school administration and his parents demand that he apologize to the offender. The guy reluctantly heads to Toby’s house, meeting a variety of people along the way. (Source: Cryptojoker)
III. Sophie Scholl and the Nazi-Resistance Group The White Rose
Exhibit: Sophie Scholl And the White Rose
11/10-24, Bridge Connector between Simpson Library and HCC
Learn about the life of Sophie Scholl and her brother Hans who were part of the White Rose non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany. Their leaflets tried to call the German people to action against the Nazi regime. Caught and sentenced to death in a hasty trial, they died under the guillotine in 1943.
Screening of the film Sophie Scholl – The Last Days (2 hours)
November 10, 10am HCC Digital Auditorium
The Final Days is the true story of Germany’s most famous anti-Nazi heroine brought to life. Sophie Scholl is the fearless activist of the underground student resistance group, The White Rose. Using historical records of her incarceration, the film re-creates the last six days of Sophie Scholl’s life: a journey from arrest to interrogation, trial and sentence in 1943 Munich. Unwavering in her convictions and loyalty to her comrades, her cross-examination by the Gestapo quickly escalates into a searing test of wills as Scholl delivers a passionate call to freedom and personal responsibility that is both haunting and timeless.—Diaboyos (IMDB.com)
All events were made possible through the generous support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and in cooperation with the UMW Hillel.
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