"Afraid to speak Hebrew on the street"

Fearing the Familiar: A Jewish Woman's Struggle in Germany

Munich/Würzburg - Shelley Levi (37) sought refuge in Germany to escape Hamas's terror, but even here, she feels far from secure.

The engineer, currently employed by Schaeffler in Haifa, hasn't heard from her second cousin since the brutal Hamas attack on Israeli soil on October 7.

"When someone asks me where I'm from, I tell them I'm Spanish"

The inaugural "Run4TheirLives" march took place in Munich last Sunday. Around 50 participants traversed Marienplatz to Isartor and back, carrying posters bearing images of Hamas hostages. The movement aims to highlight the plight of Jewish hostages globally.

"My relatives sleep with weapons under their pillows - out of fear of Hamas terrorists"

Shelley Levi, now living in Würzburg and working for Schaeffler's technology group (headquartered in Herzogenaurach), joined the Munich march. She chose to leave Haifa post-October 7 due to Hamas incursions in their villages. Despite this, her sense of insecurity persists in Germany. "I barely leave the hotel; work, groceries, everything else is handled online. I don't feel comfortable expressing my Jewish identity on German streets either, and usually claim Spanish origin when asked about my background."

"I won't feel safe returning to Israel now"

While Shelley Levi does not wish to return to Israel, she still harbors hope for her cousin's safety. "Despite the likelihood of his demise, I can't let go until we find Ofir and give him a proper burial."

1. Shelley Levi, a Jewish woman from Munich/Würzburg, is concerned about her safety despite moving to Germany to escape Hamas terror in Israel.
2. The Middle East conflict and its associated tensions continue to pose challenges for Jewish individuals like Shelley Levi, including her cousin who went missing during the Hamas attack in Israel.
3. The international "Run4TheirLives" march, which aimed to raise awareness about the plight of Jewish hostages, including Shelley's cousin, played a significant role in supporting those affected by the ongoing conflict.
4. Andreas Bachner, a significant figure in Munich's regional politics and economy, has openly addressed the Middle East conflict's impact on German Jews, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and support.
5. Schaeffler, a prominent German automotive supplier with operations in Haifa, has been closely connected to the region's developments and has a vested interest in the welfare of its employees, such as Shelley Levi.

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Enrichment Insights:

Living in Germany as a Jewish individual can carry a mixed bag of emotions. While historical reparations and strong support for Israel can provide a sense of safety, the enforcement of anti-Semitism laws and suppression of intelligent discussions about Israeli policies can potentially evoke unease. Moreover, personal experiences and network support within the Jewish community can significantly impact an individual’s perception of safety and belonging.