hebrew the biblical quotation. knew the gates of the righteous nation which keep it the truth by going to rain. to preserve jewish identity and foster openness that was the founders vision. isn t simply the sentiment was here in the center of berlin we have an open mind we don t just practice tolerance in the streets in the synagogue we ourselves represent this openness so it was an expression of confidence we re right in the middle of things we re part of you we are berliners he said billy not. today berlin s jewish community would also want the building to appear welcoming it s a major tourist attraction. but security gates and police protection reveal how fragile this openness is. as the siege of the center of judea compound ation it s a place of remembrance a museum and a research institute. and it bears witness to the synagogues beginnings.