Widen the Circle

Widen the Circle confronts long-standing injustice rooted in racism, antisemitism, and attacks on democratic values. We do that by empowering local activists in Germany and the United States who expose legacies of persecution, bring communities together, and promote healing. We create networks of support, collaboration, and education for these activists through fellowships, workshops, increased recognition, and resources to make them more effective in their work. We have offices in the U.S. and Germany. Our programs include: The Obermayer Awards, which for two decades have honored German non-Jews who commemorate local Jewish communities decimated by the Nazis and fight modern antisemitism and bigotry. The Widen the Circle Network, which brings together people from across Germany who focus on history as a means to preserve memory; combat antisemitism, racism, xenophobia, and other forms of bigotry; and support democratic values. The network provides a platform for active dialog among people engaged in this work. New projects, ideas, and collaborations are constantly emerging from this lively community. The Berlin Fellowship, a year-long program that empowers American remembrance activists and thought leaders who are in the midst of important current issues involving remembrance and historic injustice. The Fellowship is anchored by an eight-day intensive experience in Germany, where we connect participants with counterparts in our network in Germany. Together, Americans and Germans share knowledge and build collaborations that amplify and further their work. Participants also gain a new perspective on Jewish history, antisemitism, and the Holocaust.