Miron Tenenberg was born in West Berlin in 1982. Raised in a Jewish home, he has life-long experience with topics on Jewish life. As trained journalist, he has been reporting for the Deutschlandfunk Kultur radio program “Aus der jüdischen Welt” (English: From the Jewish World) since 2012. He also writes about current strategies in urban development and diversification. Miron lives in a patchwork family with three children in Berlin.
WHY ARE YOU PARTICIPATING IN THIS PODCAST? WHAT DRIVES YOU PERSONALLY?
Showing the lively nature of Jewish life is not an easy task in Germany: we are diverse, unique and last but not least, controversial. The podcast is a way to keep this inner-Jewish discourse alive. And it gives those I speak with the opportunity to be heard.
WHAT IMAGE OF JEWISH LIFE IN GERMANY DO YOU HAVE?
On the one hand, Jewish life in Germany is colorful and diverse. It ranges from Orthodox to Conservative, Liberal, to cultural Jews who have nothing to do with religion. On the other hand, Jews have a hard time here, experiencing everything from threats to being spat on and beaten, to being blown up. We are still a threatened minority in Germany. Politicians on their soap boxes lack determination when it comes to action. In the end, we are on our own: We lack real social solidarity.
WHAT OTHER SOCIAL ISSUES ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT?
I have a deeply democratic and pluralistic worldview. When compromises are no longer possible and one’s own interests always comes first, hate and violence inevitably follow. Furthermore, I find it appalling that my children, still have to go out on the streets protest for the environment, just like I did over 20 years ago. I am also moved by the social imbalance and the resulting social division. That is why I stand up for the weaker members in society. I think it’s important to take responsibility and improve the world in small ways.
