Order of Merit for Elisabeth Cosanne-Schulte-Huxel

The Jewish Museum of Westphalia is happy to announce that Elisabeth Cosanne-Schulte-Huxel, chair of the museum’s supporting association, was honoured with the order of merit for her commitment to the remembrance culture in Westphalia.

Elisabeth Cosanne-Schulte-Huxel is a founding member of the Verein für jüdische Geschichte und Religion e.V., the supporting association of the Jewish Museum of Westphalia in Dorsten. For decades she has been invested in research on the Jewish life in Westphalia, establishing long lasting connections with descendants of Jewish families from the region and contributing to a vibrant culture of remembrance in Dorsten. In July 2025 this dedication was honoured with the Federal Cross of Merit on Ribbon (Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande). The Order of Merit is the only general decoration for merit in Germany and thus the highest recognition that the Federal Republic awards for services to the common good.

Paul Schulte-Huxel, Mayor Tobias Stockhoff, Elisabeth Cosanne-Schulte-Huxel, District President Andreas Bothe, Museum’s Director Dr. Kathrin Pieren, © JMWIn her acceptance speech, Elisabeth Cosanne-Schulte-Huxel elaborated:
“I feel very honored and grateful for this special award, especially because our Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Minister President Hendrik Wüst are honoring the underlying idea and objective of a long-standing commitment to a vibrant democracy, human rights, and tolerance. My concern has always been to combat inhuman ways of thinking and prejudices or xenophobic discrimination. I believe it is important for all of us to always say a clear “no” to anti-Semitism, exclusion, and racism from the left or right. We are all striving to actively participate in the development of a peaceful and humane society. Therefore, we must continue to work for respect, humanity, dialogue, and moral courage.”

The team and board of the Jewish Museum thank her for her tireless dedication and commitment.