The Board of AEJM regret the recent resignation of Prof. Peter Schäfer as director of the Jewish Museum Berlin, Germany. It is of great importance in today’s world that museums in general, and Jewish museums in particular, remain independent institutions. Museums should be ‘safe places for unsafe ideas’ and should not become the victim of the expectations that a variety of audiences, organisations or governments may have of their performance. Their exhibitions, programming and leadership may be criticised by society at large, but should not be interfered with. The museum leaders should only be accountable to their respective governing bodies.
Statement on the resignation of Prof. Peter Schäfer as director of the Jewish Museum Berlin by the AEJM Board