Dr. Nurit Gillath – Summary

Dr. Nurit Gillath, a second-generation German Jew born in Jerusalem in 1934, shares her unique perspective on life as a Yekke (German Jewish descendant) in Israel. In this engaging interview, Dr. Gillath recounts her parents’ immigration from Germany to Palestine in 1933, her childhood in Jerusalem during the British Mandate, and her experiences during Israel’s War of Independence. She provides fascinating insights into the cultural tensions and adaptations faced by German Jewish immigrants in the nascent State of Israel.

The interview delves into Dr. Gillath’s personal journey, including her decision to join the Israeli military at the young age of 16 and her eventual involvement in the feminist movement in Israel. Dr. Gillath’s story illuminates the complex interplay between her German Jewish heritage and her Israeli identity, touching on issues of cultural assimilation, gender roles, and Israel’s evolving social landscape. Her narrative offers a valuable window into the Yekke experience and the broader history of Israel through the eyes of someone who lived through its formative years.