Honorary Doctorate for Josef Schuster

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) honoured the President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Dr Josef Schuster, with a ceremony in its Neubaukirche on 19 November 2024. Schuster was awarded an honorary doctorate by the JMU's Faculty of Catholic Theology for his services to science and church life. Around 200 guests from academia, politics, religion and culture attended the ceremony.

Promoting Dialogue Between Jews, Christians and Muslims

"In Dr Josef Schuster, the Faculty of Catholic Theology is honouring a person who has rendered outstanding services to Jewish-Christian dialogue," said Professor Barbara Schmitz, who holds the Chair of Old Testament and Biblical-Oriental Languages at JMU, in her laudatory speech. Josef Schuster has a clear and critical stance, he protests loudly and unequivocally against anti-Judaism and anti-Semitism, against all forms of hatred, violence, marginalisation and misanthropy and is committed to Jewish life and respectful coexistence between religions in Germany, said Schmitz.

Schuster was also honoured for his commitment to the establishment and promotion of institutions dedicated to the academic study of the history and culture of Judaism. "These include the Museum Shalom Europa and the Johanna Stahl Centre in Würzburg as well as the Jewish Academy in Frankfurt and the Schalom Aleikum think tank," said Professor Matthias Remenyi, Dean of the Faculty of Catholic Theology, in his speech.

In Favour of Respectful Coexistence And Against Hatred and Violence

The Jewish-Christian dialogue, the interreligious dialogue, the commitment to the culture and history of Judaism in Germany: all of these points are equally essential for the Faculty of Catholic Theology at the University of Würzburg. "Judaism in the past and present is not an alien cult community that stands in opposition to Christianity, but it is the root from which Christian life and Christian faith arise in the first place," Remenyi continued.

Jewish-Christian dialogue and a Christian theology in the face of Judaism are absolutely constitutive for theology as a scientific instance of reflection on Christian beliefs. They form "a cross-sectional dimension that permeates all theological disciplines". According to the Dean, Schuster deserves "our thanks and respect" for engaging in this dialogue as a dialogue partner, cultivating and promoting it.

Outstanding Personality With an Unerring Compass of Values

University President Paul Pauli also thanked Schuster for his many years of commitment: "You are an outstanding personality with an unerring compass of values who has an impact on society and actively helps to shape it. In a world that is increasingly characterised by polarisation, you have always stood up for dialogue and represented a clear, consistent voice for respect and tolerance," said Pauli in his welcoming address.

As a doctor in particular, Schuster understands that healing and genuine understanding are only possible if you look at people as a whole - with all their rough edges and religious and cultural influences. "This idea, which you have also embodied time and again in your work for the Central Council of Jews and in interfaith dialogue, is an inspiration for us all. Today's award is an expression of our deep solidarity and appreciation for your tireless commitment," said Pauli.

The University of Würzburg is proud "that an alumnus of our university, someone who began his academic career here at JMU, has become a pillar of social cohesion in Germany and beyond over so many years," said the University President.

"One of the Most Special Moments of My Life"

Schuster was delighted to receive the award: "Receiving an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Catholic Theology at the University of my home town of Würzburg is one of the most special moments of my life. I would never have believed that I would one day receive this recognition, so I feel it all the more strongly as a confirmation and a mission of my work. The Jewish and Christian faiths are united by a desire for understanding, reconciliation and togetherness. We need more of this today, not less."

About the Person

Josef Schuster was born in Haifa (Israel) in 1954. His family had been forced to leave their home in Lower Franconia during the National Socialist era and returned to Würzburg in 1956. Schuster studied human medicine at the University of Würzburg; from 1988 to 2020, he worked as an internist with his own practice in Würzburg.

Schuster is the long-standing President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany and the Bavarian State Association of Jewish Communities as well as Chairman of the Jewish Community of Würzburg and Lower Franconia.