From 23 to 30 August, the German-Israeli summer camp brought together around 280 young people and experts from Germany and Israel in Berlin. The focus was on encounters, shared remembrance and dialogue.
On 27 August, Germany’s Federal Minister for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Karin Prien, visited the German-Israeli summer camp in Berlin together with the Israeli Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor. During the visit, Karin Prien emphasised the importance of personal encounters for maintaining good relations between Germany and Israel.
Federal Youth Minister Karin Prien:
“Especially in difficult times, face-to-face meetings are more important than ever. The German-Israeli Summer Camp brings together young people, including youth workers, from Germany and Israel to build and strengthen trust and mutual understanding. Together, we are ensuring that such encounters remain possible even under challenging conditions. I would like to thank all the young people and volunteers from both countries who are involved in the German-Israeli youth exchange. Given our shared history and Germany’s special responsibility, it is particularly important to keep these relations alive.”
The summer camp was organised on behalf of the Federal Ministry by ConAct, the Co-ordination Centre for German-Israeli Youth Exchange, and the Israel Youth Exchange Authority.
Exchange and security
The consequences of the war in the Middle East and ongoing uncertainties shape the everyday reality of many young people in Israel. At the same time, German-Israeli exchange programmes are currently only possible to a limited extent due to the security situation there. The summer camp therefore offered a safe space for exchange, interaction and shared leisure activities.
For Israeli participants, too, the circumstances surrounding programmes in Germany have changed. Anti-Semitic attacks and rising anti-Semitism are causing unease. This makes protection and safety – as well as the experience of being welcomed and respected – all the more important.
Strengthening perspectives and partnerships
The focus was on personal conversations about different realities of life. The participants were able to share experiences, gain new perspectives and deepen their connections. Precisely because the worlds in which young people in Germany and Israel live have, in some respects, drifted apart, direct contact can foster understanding and trust.
The summer camp thus underlined the enduring importance of German-Israeli youth exchanges. It helps to facilitate encounters even under difficult conditions and to strengthen the partnership between young people from both countries.
Source: BMBFSFJ (in German)