Meet Yachad Deutschland
Several different gay and lesbian groups have been organized in Germany under the name Yachad. Admission is open to all gays, lesbians and bisexuals, of Jewish origin, regardless of age, background or ideology. Together - and yachad means together in Hebrew - our goal is the creation of a framework in which being gay can be celebrated as one variation among many different Jewish lifestyles. Yachad groups exist currently in four cities: Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich. Each group plans and carries out its activities separately. Besides monthly meetings in members’ homes or in caf’s or restaurants, parties, excursions, and services for Jewish Holidays are organized for Yachadniks to get together. Yachad is a member of the World Congress along with other Jewish gay organizations around the world.
Why Munich?
With the Alps as background, Munich, capital city of Bavaria, Germany’s southernmost state, was founded 800 years ago along the shores of the Isar River. In its history as a kingdom up to the present status as a ’free state’ the city has gained and succeeded in keeping a reputation for its liberal as well as baroque lifestyle. Never in competition with the world’s metropolitan centers, nor lost in provinciality, the city with its buildings of famous architects has always attracted artists, adventurers, and eccentrics. Visitors come from all over for its beer festival in October, its carnival in the spring, to listen to its orchestras, attend its operas and admire its museums. Surrounding mountains and lakes can be reached by car in less than an hour. The castles of King Ludwig are as famous as the concentration camp of Dachau is infamous. Along with a mayor, who regularly heads the Christopher Street Day (Pride Day) parade, Munich is governed by a gay-positive city council, one of whom represents the gay political party: "Pink List." Around 100,000 lesbians and gays contribute to the character of the city with its population of 1.3 million. By coincidence, a short distance from the gay quarter (Glockenbachviertel), the orthodox Synagogue can be found. To all our haverim and haverot throughout the world, we would like to say: Not only is it possible, but it makes sense for Jewish Gays and Lesbians to live and live well in Germany. Come and see!
Fred Fischer