ASF in Israel

On the occasion of Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah, Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste (ASF) Israel was once again invited to lay a wreath at the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Square in Yad Vashem – a place that stands as a powerful symbol of resistance, dignity, and remembrance.

Last week, we received the news that Tamar Landau passed away at the age of 95. Over many years, she remained in close contact with numerous ASF volunteers. For many of them, she was far more than a Holocaust survivor: she was a thoughtful conversation partner and, not infrequently, a friend with whom contact continued long after their volunteer…

As part of our ASF study trip, we visited Kivunim in Haifa, an Israeli organization that supports young adults with disabilities on their path toward independent living. Kivunim combines supported housing, educational programs, and psychosocial guidance into a structured transition from the parental home to independent living and employment. For…

Three days ago, our ASF study trip arrived in Israel. With 28 participants, we are currently probably the largest German-speaking study group in the country.

Over the past four months, we have become increasingly aware of how deeply October 7 remains present in Israeli society. This was the reason why, as part of our mid-term seminar, we felt it was essential to engage more closely with what happened on October 7 and to visit the places directly affected by the attacks. Our journey began in Nir …

The following report was written by our ASF volunteer Daniel, who is currently serving at Yad Vashem: As part of his inaugural visit to Israel, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Yad Vashem this Sunday — the place where I am currently serving my voluntary year with Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste (ASF).

On Monday, October 27, the lecture hall of Beit Ben Yehuda in Jerusalem was filled to capacity.
Federal Minister Karin Prien (Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, BMFSFJ) visited the international meeting center of Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste (ASF), together with Dr. Christoph Steegmans …

Gabriel Daus was a close friend of our work in Israel. He accompanied us closely in Jerusalem for decades and provided valuable support. Gabi, as he was known to everyone, passed away on the morning of July 12, 2025, at the age of 86—just a few weeks before his 87th birthday on July 26. We are very saddened by his passing.

This month, we held our second Lishmor al Kesher gathering – a series of encounters with Holocaust survivors at Beit Ben Yehuda, held in cooperation with our partner AMCHA. And once again, the house was full.

On August 25th, we had the privilege of hosting another Lishmor al Kesher gathering – this time with a group of Soviet-Jewish Holocaust survivors.

We stand in solidarity with Hanoar Haoved VeHaLomed (NOAL) and Hashomer Hatzair and strongly condemn their recent expulsion from the International Falcon Movement (IFM).

On Monday, 10 November 2025, we gathered once again for our Lishmor al Kesher meeting – our regular gathering in partnership with Amcha at Beit Ben Yehuda, where we invite Holocaust survivors to come together for dialogue, remembrance, and community.

On Sunday, September 14, we warmly invite you to a Garden Get-Together at Beit Ben Yehuda, Jerusalem.
The occasion: the return of ASF volunteers to Israel – a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, meet old friends, and get to know our new volunteers.

25 junge Freiwillige sind im September nach Israel gekommen. Sie werden für ein Jahr in sozialen und historischen Projekten engagieren. Los ging es mit einem Vorbereitungsseminar in der ASF-Begegnungsstätte in Jerusalem.