"A push to revitalise Yiddish and its cultural traditions has gained momentum in Germany, the very place where the Nazi regime's Holocaust sought to eradicate the Jewish communities who spoke it. Thousands flocked to the city of Weimar for a recent festival that celebrated the linguistic tradition with workshops, cabaret performances and even heart-stopping circus acrobatics. Musical offerings ranged from traditional klezmer performances on violin and accordion evoking the Central Europe of old to more modern shows, including psychedelic Yiddish rock."
"But the festivities, which drew visitors and artists from as far as the United States, Ukraine and Australia, ended with a call from the event's artistic director Alan Bern to protect a "diverse society" spanning many parts of the world. At a concert performance in Weimar's Marktplatz square, Bern reminded the audience that "we are standing on a square where fascism was once celebrated". "Here we are -- and, until now, they're not here!" Bern said to enthusiastic applause from the crowd."
Yiddish and its associated cultural traditions are undergoing a revival in Germany, highlighted by a festival in Weimar featuring workshops, cabaret, circus acrobatics and musical performances from traditional klezmer to psychedelic Yiddish rock. The event attracted artists and visitors from the United States, Ukraine and Australia and culminated with artistic director Alan Bern urging protection of a diverse society. Bern reminded audiences that the festival took place on a square once used to celebrate fascism, prompting applause. Attendees participated in open-air singalongs, folk dance and described the gathering as restorative. Yiddish speakers numbered over ten million before World War II but declined drastically due to the Holocaust and later assimilation.
Read at The Local Germany
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