German TV Host Andrea Kiewel Recounts First Act of Defiance in Israel
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
German TV host Andrea Kiewel described her first act of defiance in Israel on November 1, during a Pilates class in Herzlia Pituach. She disagreed with her trainer, Orly, who criticized her for celebrating Halloween, calling it a "Christian tradition" that undermines Judaism. Kiewel countered that Halloween is not religious but a commercial event, and that if such things threaten Jewish identity, "we have definitely lost."
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Andrea Kiewel described her first act of defiance in Israel on November 1.
- The incident occurred during a Pilates class in Herzlia Pituach.
- Her trainer, Orly, criticized Kiewel for celebrating Halloween.
- Orly called Halloween a "Christian tradition" that dilutes Judaism.
- Kiewel argued Halloween is a commercial event, not religious.
- Kiewel stated that if such things threaten Jewish identity, "we have definitely lost."
German television presenter Andrea Kiewel described a personal milestone on November 1, when she spoke out for the first time during a Pilates class in Herzlia Pituach, Israel. Kiewel, whose Hebrew is described as "semi-good," recounted the incident, which occurred at 10:20 AM. She noted that while she had previously "scolded, lamented, and railed" at various service providers, this was her first instance of direct disagreement with someone in Israel.
During the class, her trainer, Orly, who is consistently late, arrived and began the session. During a break, Kiewel shared her family's enjoyment of a Halloween celebration the previous evening, describing decorated houses and a neighbor's kitchen with plastic "severed heads." She expressed joy at seeing so many neighbors together, a rare occurrence usually prompted by air raid sirens.
Orly reacted negatively to Kiewel's participation in Halloween, calling it a "Christian tradition" that dilutes Judaism and confuses children about their identity. Kiewel, feeling indignant, decided to challenge Orly's assertion. She stated that Halloween is not a Christian holiday, but rather a major event for the pumpkin, candy, and costume industries.
Kiewel then gathered her courage and responded, "You know, Orly, if artificial spiderwebs, plastic ghosts, and fake blood are a threat to our Jewishness, then we have definitely lost." The article concludes with the sound of exertion from her fellow Pilates students, leaving it unclear whether their gasps were in agreement or simply from the physical effort.