Arrived in the in-between

Between 1989 and 2005, approximately 200,000 Jews immigrated to Germany from Ukraine, Russia, and other states of the former Soviet Union. Today, people with a post-Soviet background make up a large part of the Jewish community in Germany. Their stories are an important part of reunified Germany, but their stories are rarely or only marginally mentioned in museums and schoolbooks.

The installation in the foyer of the Jewish community allows these people and their diverse perspectives to speak. Based on interviews that journalist Erica Zingher conducted with twelve people from three generations, the videos were created that speak of departure and the arduous attempt to build a new life in a foreign country. They tell of hopes and disappointments, of remaining a stranger and then somehow finally arriving. They tell of a country that first welcomes people with grand gestures, only to then feel forgotten. And of people who enrich this country with their stories and their own unique perspectives.

For the walk-in installation "Arrived in Between," andpartnersincrime has set up an entire living room in the foyer of the Jewish community. Mementos from the old homeland mingle with pieces of furniture hastily purchased after arrival that have since become outdated. Personal belongings can be read as traces of an individual life or as ciphers for an exemplary existence. Jars of preserves are stacked on the shelves, a half-finished crossword puzzle lies on the table, and a richly fragrant soup has been simmering on the stove for an indeterminate amount of time. Visitors find themselves in a seemingly intimate space between here and there, whose inhabitant seems to have just left.

The videos shown here revolve around the questions: What might Jewish remembrance in Germany look like today, given the diversity of experiences and biographies? How is the Shoah remembered and narrated from a post-Soviet perspective? How can and must the culture of remembrance in Germany be expanded to include the voices of those who have long been part of this country?

Ignatz Bubis Community Center, Savignystraße 66, Frankfurt

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 2 pm – 8 pm, Friday 10 am – 2 pm, Saturday closed; admission free; no registration required

A project of the Cultural Department of the Jewish Community of Frankfurt am Main with andpartnersincrime, funded by the Foundation for Remembrance, Responsibility and Future. With the kind support of the Frankfurt Historical Museum. https://historisches-museum-frankfurt.de

andpartnersincrime is supported by the multi-year funding of the Cultural Office of the City of Frankfurt am Main.

Soft opening / opening on Monday, May 9, from 5 p.m.

Duration: 10-22 May 2022
Opening hours: Sun. to Thurs. 2 pm – 8 pm, Fri. 10 am – 2 pm, Sat. closed

The installation "Arrived in the In-Between?" at the Jewish Community Center in Frankfurt takes visitors on a journey through time. Bitter memories are also awakened.

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, May 11, 2022, Theresa Weiß

The interviews reveal many nuances and in-between worlds. The stories oscillate between hope and disappointment, homelessness and yet a sense of having arrived.

Jewish General, May 16, 2022, Laura Vollmers

If you want to hear the stories, you'll want to set aside plenty of time. It's worth it.

Hessischer Rundfunk, May 10, 2022, Nina Michalk