Visit of Federal Minister Karin Prien to Beit Ben Yehuda

In addition to the two ASF volunteers currently serving in Jerusalem, volunteers from other German organizations also took part – namely from the ZWST (Central Welfare Board of Jews in Germany) and the Neve Hanna Children’s Home.
The focus of the meeting was the significance of the International Youth Voluntary Service in Israel after October 7.

In his welcoming remarks, Uriel Kashi, Country Representative of ASF in Israel, recalled the beginnings of voluntary service: In 1961 – even before the establishment of diplomatic relations – the first ASF volunteers came to Israel. In a climate of mistrust and open wounds, they carried out true pioneering work, seeking encounters and building trust.

“In 1961, German volunteers in Israel were anything but a given,” said Kashi. “And unfortunately, today it is quite similar. After the attacks of October 7, ASF – like all other organizations – had to evacuate its volunteers from Israel. That is why we are all the more grateful to welcome so many volunteers here at Beit Ben Yehuda today. You are the new pioneers – you show that encounter is stronger than fear, and that bridges can still be built even when much around us has become fragile.”

He also addressed the current situation in his remarks: The military conflicts of the past two years have led to the suspension of many partnerships in culture, science, education and youth exchange. “All the more reason to deeply respect all the organizations that are once again bringing volunteers to Israel – ASF, ZWST and Neve Hanna,” emphasized Kashi. “They all demonstrate that commitment, trust and responsibility are stronger than political or social turmoil.”

After a short film about the history of ASF in Israel, the volunteers themselves reported on their first weeks in the country.

ASF volunteer Merlin said that in Germany he often had to engage in discussions when he said he wanted to go to Israel. “After two months here, I am enthusiastic – not only about the people and the landscapes, but because here I have the opportunity to talk with Israelis and not about Israelis, and to make friends.”

Daniel, who had already accompanied the Minister in the morning on her visit to “his” place of service, Yad Vashem, spoke about his work in the archive. “In one document, the name of my hometown suddenly appeared – a place where a death march had stopped. I had never heard about that during my school years. This work here makes history much more immediate and present to me than it could ever be in Germany.”

Many of the Jewish volunteers who came to Israel through the ZWST reported that their year here has another special meaning for them. It allows them to live their identity openly and not to hide. “Just being able to walk through the streets wearing a Star of David necklace – without fear – that is a feeling of freedom that many of us do not know in Germany,” said one participant.

Ilana Asaf and Nili Berg from the Israeli Ministry of Welfare emphasized how valuable the voluntary services are for understanding social coexistence in Israel. In many social institutions, Jews, Christians and Muslims work naturally side by side. A voluntary service offers young people the unique opportunity to experience this coexistence directly – in a country that is complex, diverse and deeply human.

In her concluding remarks, Minister Karin Prien emphasized the great importance of voluntary services and youth exchange programs:
“Beyond dealing with history, these services enable young people to get to know modern Israel in all its facets – a country with a diverse, vibrant society.” She saw it as her task to further strengthen youth and volunteer exchange with Israel.

The Minister’s visit to Beit Ben Yehuda was more than an official appointment – it was a strong sign of the importance of personal encounters in difficult times.
For the volunteers, it was a special recognition of their work; for all those present, it was a moment that conveyed courage and confidence.

Beit Ben Yehuda, which was opened in 2004 as an international educational and meeting center of Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste, thus remains what it has always aimed to be:
A place where history remains alive and the future is shaped – together, through encounter, understanding and dialogue.