In memory of Orna Porat: Cologne actress with heart and history

In memory of Orna Porat: Cologne actress with heart and history

The Israeli actress Orna Porat, who was born under the birth name Irene Klein, will soon be remembered in Cologne. She was born in Cologne in 1924 and grew up in Porz. Porat died in Ramat Gan, Israel, in 2015 at the age of 91. Her life reflects not only the successes of an extraordinary artist, but also the challenges and changes of her fate. Due to her intense connection to Cologne and her impressive biography, the city plans to give her an honorable place in Cologne's memory. The initiators of this commemoration are Monika Möller, chairwoman of the Cologne/Tel Aviv-Yaffa city twinning association, and Pastor Rolf Theobold, who work tirelessly for the recognition of Porat and her work.

On Sunday, October 26th, everyone interested is invited to take part in the celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the exchange of ambassadors between Germany and Israel and the 30th anniversary of the town twinning association. These take place in the Cologne synagogue. An exciting event is expected, at which Porat's daughter Lital will also travel from Israel to report on her mother's life's work. The NRW European Minister Nathanael Liminski will take over the patronage and accompany the event.

The life and work of Orna Porat

Orna Porat began her acting career after attending drama school in Cologne, followed by engagements at the Schleswig State Theater. Her artistic work found a new home during her time in Israel after she emigrated to Mandatory Palestine with her Jewish husband Joseph Proter in 1947. Despite initial language hurdles, she built an impressive career in the theater. Her commitment to children's and youth theater is particularly noteworthy: in 1970 she founded the Israeli Children's Theater, which she directed until 1989 and for which she received numerous awards, including the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement in Theater in 1979.

Porat's multifaceted nature is evident not only in her acting skills, but also in her social commitment. She was deeply rooted in the anti-fascist movement and campaigned for reconciliation and cultural exchange throughout her life. In 1970 she became an honorary citizen of Tel Aviv, a title that only a few, such as Albert Einstein, hold. She was also the only person mentioned by Golda Meir in her will - she was given the honor of reading from her diaries at Meir's memorial service in the Knesset.

Events and discussions to remember

Various events are planned as part of the commemoration. On Monday, October 27th, there will be a free evening at 6 p.m. in the Evangelical Church building on Kartäusergasse. Here, publicist Arnd Henze will lead the evening while Lital Porat talks about her mother's life story. On Tuesday, October 28th, at 6 p.m. there will be an evening of lectures and discussions entitled “never again on German stages” in the regional association’s building. A discussion is initiated about the theater artists from the Rhineland between home and exile between 1945 and 1965, whereby Porat's departure from the German cultural scene is also discussed. The events take place in cooperation with the Tel Aviv Association, and registrations are welcome online.

Porat's legacy, her tireless commitment to art and reconciliation, will continue to find a place in our hearts and in the city of Cologne. The memories of their work are kept alive through these events and an important chapter in German-Israeli history is vividly celebrated. More information can be found in the articles from Cologne City Gazette, Wikipedia Germany and Wikipedia English to read.