In 1893, the Centralverein deutscher Staatsbürger jüdischen Glaubens (C.V.) (Central Association of German Citizens of Jewish Faith) was founded as a vital force for Jewish advocacy and cultural preservation. The association was notable not only for its advocacy but also for its strategic approach. It operated with a dual focus: defending Jewish rights through legal channels and fostering a more positive Jewish identity within German society. By leveraging both intellectual and public discourse, the association sought to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Jews, promoting a vision of integration and equal citizenship.

At its Lindenstraße location, the association also maintained a library and archive, and from 1905 to 1930, the headquarters housed the Philo Publishing House, an influential platform for Jewish literature and thought. The publishing house became a cornerstone of Jewish intellectual and cultural life, producing works by prominent authors and thinkers. Notable figures such as Martin Buber, a philosopher known for his works on existentialism and Jewish thought, and Franz Rosenzweig, a theologian and cultural historian, contributed to its prestigious catalog. These publications ranged from religious studies and philosophical treatises to contemporary Jewish literature, forging a robust intellectual community in the city.

The association and the Publishing House became sources of strength, providing guidance to the Jewish community with cultural pride and intellectual energy during difficult times. Their work not only provided a voice for the Jewish community but also laid the groundwork for future generations to celebrate and preserve their heritage. Through activism, education, and literature, they left an indelible mark on Jewish history in Germany.

At the end of 1930, they relocated to the west of Berlin (Emser Straße 42). Later, in response to the Nuremberg Laws of 1935, the association was forced to change its name to The Central Association of Jews in Germany and, in 1936, to The Jewish Central Association. The association was ultimately banned following the November pogrom in 1938.