Brussels — Germany hosted its first Kurdish–Jewish conference in Berlin, bringing together representatives of both communities alongside German and Israeli officials, academics, and Kurdish and Jewish diplomats. The event, held on Sunday, aimed to foster dialogue between minorities, strengthen democratic values, and address challenges posed by extremism and migration in Europe.
Dr. Elio Adler, founder and head of the Jewish Values Initiative ( WerteInitiative – jüdisch-deutsche Positionen), said unconditional support for armed groups in Syria, such as factions that assumed control after the fall of the regime, was “unacceptable.”
“Every euro provided as aid must come with conditions, and the protection of minorities is a crucial one,” Adler told +963. “Trust cannot rest on promises alone. Accountability is essential.”
Adler argued that Germany could not intervene directly in Middle Eastern conflicts but could build a model of coexistence at home. “We cannot speak directly with the Syrian, Israeli, or Turkish governments. Instead, we focus on creating a model of peace and coexistence here in Germany that can serve as a global example.”
He added: “One must change oneself before changing the world. Through this conference, we want to show that Kurds can be potential partners for us, and that within the Kurdish community, Jews can also be seen as partners. These are two groups with strong identities and differing views, but they can engage in dialogue and partnership based on freedom and democracy.”
Adler explained that the German Jewish Values Initiative carries a political message within Germany but also reflects a global vision tied to human rights and human dignity. He stressed that migration must be clearly defined and regulated, in line with respect for German laws and democratic values.
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“There are migrants who understand and accept these rules,” he said. “But there are also those who misinterpret freedom as weakness and act according to nationalist, religious, or extremist agendas. Our role as Jews in politics is to clarify these rules to German policymakers and ensure they are respected.”
Founded in 2014, the German Jewish Values Initiative works to combat antisemitism, racism, and extremism in Germany by promoting Jewish life and advocating for mutual respect, human dignity, and a strong democracy. Adler said the organization’s role was both political and societal: “Minorities like Kurds and Jews should be able to live together in peace. We want to set an example and show the world that partnership is possible.”
The Berlin conference, organized jointly by the Kurdish Community Germany (Kurdische Gemeinde Deutschland) and the Jewish Value Initiative, issued a joint declaration calling for the defense of democracy, civil society, and the rule of law. The statement stressed that Jewish and Kurdish communities in Germany share experiences of discrimination, antisemitism and anti-Kurdish sentiment, and face similar threats from Islamist and nationalist extremism.
The declaration urged stricter measures against extremist propaganda networks, stronger prosecution of hate crimes, and increased investment in education and prevention programs. Participants also insisted that aid to Syria and the wider region must be conditional on protecting minorities, including Kurds, Jews, and other vulnerable groups.
Participants concluded that the model being built in Germany, based on dialogue and partnership between minorities, could serve as an example for the Middle East, where armed conflict and violence have long obstructed coexistence. They emphasized that meaningful change abroad begins with applying democratic values at home.
The event comes amid rising debate in Europe over aid and political engagement in Syria. In July, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin would suspend support for the Syrian government unless it takes “serious steps” to end religious and ethnic persecution. He warned that continued violence, particularly in southern Syria, could prompt a full reassessment of German–Syrian relations.
