“Your presence matters” – Chancellor Merz in conversation with an ASF volunteer

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).

After touring the museum, I was introduced to him as the only young, long-term German-speaking volunteer presently working in Yad Vashem. He showed genuine interest in my responsibilities in the Yad Vashem archives, in my hometown in Germany, and in what motivated me to come to Israel in the first place.

Several times, he stressed how essential our presence and volunteer work in Israel are at this moment, and he wished all volunteers currently in the country every success for the remainder of their service.

This brief conversation made the Chancellor appear more approachable and personable. It also reminded me how highly the work of ASF and other organisations in Israel is valued — not only by the people here, but also in Germany. Once again, I realised what a remarkable placement I have been given with Yad Vashem; it is no coincidence that a visit there is part of the official programme of any state visit, even one lasting only two days.

At the end of our discussion, Chancellor Merz invited me to Berlin once my voluntary year is over — a sign that he truly appreciates the contribution of German volunteers in Israel. Afterward, he continued to his meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, and I returned to the archives. A classic working day, in its own way.