From Yiddish to Jerusalem – Lishmor al Kesher at Beit Ben Yehuda

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.

This time, around 25 participants joined us for a deeply moving encounter filled with music, stories, and heartfelt conversations.
We were honored to welcome Dr. Ralf Melzer, Head of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) in Israel, as our special guest. In his opening remarks, Dr. Melzer emphasized that since 1978, the FES has been the first German political foundation to establish an official office in Israel. One of its key areas of work is Holocaust remembrance and education, in close cooperation with institutions such as the Ghetto Fighters’ House Museum and the Massuah Institute for Holocaust Studies.
The highlight of the day was an enchanting concert by Olga Avigail Mieleszczuk and Gali Wolfstein, who performed together on stage — Olga on vocals, accordion and riq, and Gali on guitar and qanun. Their music took us on a journey from Yiddish melodies of Poland to the rhythms of Morocco, finally arriving in Jerusalem. The audience was thrilled!
After the concert, participants shared a meal and continued their conversations. Among them was also our ASF-volunteer Merlin, for whom it was a wonderful opportunity to get to know the project and meet the survivors in person.
This gathering was made possible through the kind support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the Axel Springer Foundation.