From Foes to Friends - A March of Life Exhibition

The planned exhibition in Jerusalem aims to build a bridge between Christian and Jewish visitors and shed light on the deep roots of antisemitism, which are rooted in 2000 years of Christian anti-Judaism. Based on the history of Tübingen, the starting point of the worldwide “March of Life” movement, it will highlight the importance of working through personal family history and illustrate God's view of Israel and the Jewish people.

The exhibition is intended not only to be a place of historical knowledge, but also a place of comfort for the Jewish people. Alongside the exhibition, we want to create a space for dialog and community. 

Outline of the themes
Theme 1: Israel is chosen by God 

Based on Genesis 12:1-3 and the promises from the Tanakh, it is demonstrated that Israel is God's choice. These promises about the land, the people and the blessing are illustrated using the colorful coat of Joseph. The coat, like Joseph's, represents the love of the father for his son. 

Theme 2: The Reaction of the Nations 

Just as Joseph's brothers react with envy, hatred and ultimately even murder plans, most nations throughout history react to Israel being chosen with indifference, envy and hatred. But the example of Ruth and Naomi shows that each person decides for themselves - regardless of the nation they come from. 

Theme 3: The Separation of the Church 

As a result of the early church's far-reaching separation from its Jewish roots, anti-Judaism became a tragic accompaniment to Christianity. Wherever the church spread, so did anti-Semitism. This area shows the guilt of Christians, regardless of their denomination. 

Theme 4: Antisemitism and the Holocaust 

Multiple forms of Jew-hatred emerged from church anti-Judaism: social, racist, religious or anti-Zionist... the core remains the same. A world map is used to show that the history of antisemitism and the Holocaust affects every country. 

Theme 5: Tübingen - a Former Nazi City  

The history of Tübingen and its university is used to show how a small town brings suffering to Jews throughout Europe and what the Veil of Silence means for families and society. 

Theme 6: Repentance 

Jobst Bittner's book “Breaking the Veil of Silence”, the beginning of the personal working-though process in the TOS community and the resulting repentance will be used to show how and why the first March of Life took place.

Theme 7: The Worldwide March of Life Movement 

Starting with the first March of Life in 2007, the exhibition will show the now worldwide March of Life movement and what happens when people face history and take to the streets for reconciliation and against antisemitism.