Staff from the Leo Baeck Institute London joined colleagues, friends and supporters in Berlin on 2 November 2026 for a gala dinner marking the 70th anniversary of Leo Baeck’s death. The evening brought together the Institutes in Jerusalem, London and New York | Berlin, alongside the Wissenschaftliche Arbeitsgemeinschaft des Leo Baeck Instituts (WAG) and the Friends and Supporters of the LBI.
Held under the theme ‘Legacy and Responsibility’, the gathering offered an opportunity to reflect on Baeck’s life and the shared work of researching, preserving and communicating German-Jewish history. Dr Alice Riegler gave a welcome on behalf of LBI London, alongside Dr Alexander Dubrau of LBI Jerusalem and Dr Miriam Bistrovic of LBI New York and Berlin.
In her keynote address, Karin Prien, Germany’s Federal Minister for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, spoke about the continuing relevance of Baeck’s commitment to learning and responsibility. She highlighted the Institutes’ role in preserving the records of German-Jewish lives and making this history accessible to audiences around the world. Her address also emphasised the importance of education, empathy and dialogue in challenging antisemitism and sustaining democratic life.
The evening provided space to renew friendships, meet colleagues and discuss the work that connects the Institutes across their locations. At its heart was a shared commitment not only to remembrance, but also to making the breadth of Jewish history and culture visible to new generations.
Dr Alice Riegler said:
It was a pleasure to join colleagues and friends in Berlin to remember Leo Baeck and reflect on the responsibilities we share. The evening was a welcome reminder of what we can achieve together: bringing German-Jewish history to wider audiences, encouraging dialogue and creating opportunities to learn.
Our thanks to the organisers and to everyone whose interest and support help this work continue.
