About Widen the Circle
Our Mission
Widen the Circle confronts long-standing injustice rooted in racism, antisemitism, and attacks on democratic values by empowering local activists in Germany and the US who expose legacies of persecution, bring communities together, and promote healing. We create networks of support, collaboration, and education for these activists through fellowships, workshops, increased recognition, and resources to make them more effective in their work.
What We Do
We have offices in the U.S. and Germany. Our programs include:
The Obermayer Awards, which for two decades have honored German non-Jews who commemorate local Jewish communities decimated by the Nazis and fight modern antisemitism and bigotry.
Widen the Circle Network in Germany, which brings together community activists engaged in powerful projects that use remembrance to fight modern prejudice.
The Berlin Fellowship, a year-long program that empowers American remembrance activists and thought leaders who are in the midst of some of the most important current issues involving remembrance and historic injustice by connecting them with counterparts in our network in Germany. Together Americans and Germans share knowledge and build collaborations that amplify their further work. Participants also gain a new perspective on Jewish history, antisemitism, and the Holocaust.
Our Team
Widen the Circle is a nimble organization with a small but highly talented staff. Our team is split between the United States and Germany, and we would not be able to accomplish what we have without their dedication to promoting remembrance work and fighting against hate and bigotry. Meet the Widen the Circle Team
