Nicht ohne meine Kippa!

With Chutzpah Against Hate

Levi Ufferfilge never leaves the house without his kippah. Every day, he navigates his life with the small piece of fabric on his head. However, being visibly Jewish comes with consequences: antisemitic hostility, insults, and all kinds of curious encounters. This is an enlightening yet shocking narrative about being Jewish in Germany today.

Levi Ufferfilge's "Käppchen," as his grandmother affectionately calls it, is his constant companion. The kippah is not only his favorite piece of clothing, but it also reminds him of his belonging to the people of Israel, his religion, his culture, and that there is always something watching over him. As a result, he is one of the few Germans who can be visibly recognized as Jewish. He has also felt the dangers of openly displaying his faith. Whether on the train, while shopping, or on the street, he often finds himself as a perpetual interview partner, listener, and comforter, becoming a projection and target for various stereotypes about Jews. Sometimes, it can be hard to endure. Yet, Levi Ufferfilge refuses to let anyone take away his freedom to openly express his Jewish identity. In doing so, he serves as a role model for his students. He demonstrates how to integrate religion, its rituals, and traditions into a modern life, contributing to the rediscovery of the magnificent Jewish heritage.