Trip to Leipzig

The trip to city of Leipzig was the longest during the programme. Leipzig was formerly a trade centre during the communist regime. As Dr. Derik explained: “it is one of the most popular cities in Germany, and especially during socialist times, it was the second important city after Berlin due to its importance, in terms of knowledge and development.” Derik guided the group to some of the monumental areas in Leipzig. The team was first taken to Leipzig Reformierte Kirche; or Leipzig Reformist Church (see appendix #5). As an evangelical Church, it differs from the other Churches especially the Catholic church, in that statutes and pictures are not used in the church maintaining that the faithful should have a spiritual relation with God, not through praising idols.

The second place to visit was the Center of Jewish Community. This one, on the other hand, is the place where the Jewish members meet and practice their activities. According to Dr. Derik, the Jewish community has a school in this building where they teach Judaism. It is like an informal Synagogue.

The third place to visit was the main Synagogue of Leipzig, formerly, now it is a memorial place.

This Synagogue was desecrated and destroyed by the Nazi Germans, during the “Reichspogromnacht”. It is also known as the Kristallnacht; night of broken glass”. Nowadays, as Dr. Derik mentioned, it is a memorial place for the Jewish people, where they come and pray for the persecuted and murdered Jews by the Nazis Regime.

Finally, the group visited St. Joseph Church. This Church belongs to the Protestants. It was known for its linkage to Johann Sebastiane Bach who contributed to the Church music, especially, in this Church. As a reward, a statue was built in his memory in front of the Church.