Munich, December 23 – Charlotte Knobloch, the 93-year-old president of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, recently shared her life experiences in an episode of the “Munich Personally” podcast. The interview, recorded at the Jewish Community Center on St. Jakobsplatz, delves into her survival of the Holocaust and her current perspectives on societal challenges.
A Life Shaped by History
Knobloch’s early life was marked by the Holocaust, which she survived under extraordinary circumstances. A domestic helper disguised her as her own illegitimate child, moving her from Munich, then the “capital of the movement,” to a remote village. This act of bravery saved her life during one of humanity’s darkest periods.
In the podcast, Knobloch recounts her life decade by decade, offering a unique historical perspective. The interview took place in the building of the Jewish Community Center, which has housed the new main synagogue since 2006, a poignant location for such reflections.
Reflections on Current Challenges and Hopes
As a mother of three, Knobloch also spoke about recent events that have deeply affected her. She specifically mentioned the agonizing wait for the liberation of Israeli hostages from the tunnels of the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip. “How would I have reacted if I were the mother of a hostage?” she pondered, calling it a “terrible situation!”
Throughout the conversation, Knobloch revisited childhood memories and unforgettable situations that have shaped her worldview. She has received numerous awards for her unwavering dedication to tolerance and understanding. Her charismatic personality and ability to build bridges across the chasms of German history are highlighted, especially in the face of rising antisemitism today.
In the “Munich Personally” podcast, she openly discusses what sometimes makes her despair, what gives her hope, and what she wishes for herself and for humanity in the future.
About the “Munich Personally” Podcast
The “Munich Personally” podcast features prominent Munich residents, bringing their stories and insights to the forefront. Ulrike Heidenreich and René Hofmann, heads of the Munich, Region, and Bavaria department, along with people editor Sabine Buchwald and social media editor Jana Jöbstl, take turns interviewing guests. They explore the guests’ individual histories and discuss topics that are relevant to the city of Munich.
The podcast is released every two weeks. Listeners can subscribe to the audio offering on their preferred podcast app, including iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, and Audio Now. A comprehensive overview of all podcasts is available at www.sz.de/podcast, where instructions on how to listen are also provided.
Source: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/charlotte-knobloch-erinnerungen-holocaust-muenchen-persoenlich-podcast-li.3351240
