Encounter Week

On Sunday, the encounter week began with the arrival of the Israeli guests at Frankfurt Airport. We, the German group, picked them up there and, after the shared welcome, traveled together to Bensheim. Even during the journey, we started talking, introduced ourselves to one another, and directly exchanged interests and first impressions. The rest of the day was spent with the host families, which made it possible to get to know one another personally for the first time in a relaxed and familiar atmosphere.

On Monday, the official welcome took place at school. Afterwards, the Israeli students presented everyday life in Israel to various classes. This was followed by a question and answer session in which the German students had the opportunity to ask questions about life in Israel. After a shared lunch, we went on a city rally through Bensheim as well as a tour of Alten Kurfürstlichen Gymnasium. Overall, we once again used this day intensively to get to know one another better and further strengthen our bond.

Tuesday featured a particularly intense part of the program: the visit to the Osthofen concentration camp memorial site. There, we engaged together with German history and received vivid insights into the beginning of the National Socialist regime of terror. For the first time, we were also accompanied by a reporter from the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, who was to report on our encounter week. This day was especially emotional, since German and Israeli students visited together a place that stands for the beginning of unimaginable suffering. At the same time, this part of the program also served as preparation for the upcoming week in Poland. In the evening, our group then spent time together at the Christmas market.

On Wednesday, our group went to Heidelberg. There, we visited the castle and then explored the old town. We used this time for an extensive sightseeing tour as well as a little shopping trip. In the afternoon, a workshop on antisemitism, German-Israeli relations, and politics took place at the synagogue of the Jewish Community of Heidelberg. Once again, the students were able to learn a great deal about one another and expand their knowledge in these important areas. We ended the evening together at the Christmas market.

On Thursday, the group visited the Hessian State Parliament in Wiesbaden. There, we received a tour of the building, took part in a discussion with the President of the State Parliament, Astrid Wallmann, and gained insights into the legislative process of the state of Hesse. This was followed by a visit to the State Chancellery as well as a stay at the Wiesbaden Christmas market. In the evening, we spent time together at a small private celebration, during which the group grew even closer.

On Friday, the participants reflected on the week at school and presented the experiences they had gathered. In addition, the students showed each other various games, with dancing together to Just Dance being a particular highlight.

After that, we went to Frankfurt, where free time was first on the agenda. In the evening, we took part in a Shabbat celebration at Makkabi Frankfurt. There, we were welcomed by President Alon Meyer. Both the shared meal and the conscious experience of a traditional Shabbat celebration left a lasting impression on all of us.

Saturday was spent mostly with the host families. Many of the students also arranged to go on excursions together and give the Israeli guests a special conclusion to the week. In the evening, a shared farewell dinner took place. We remembered the past days, gave feedback, and exchanged our social media accounts, if we had not already done so, in order to stay in contact even after the encounter week.

On Sunday, the Israeli students finally departed. After the shared transfer to the airport, it was time to say goodbye, after an unforgettable week full of intense impressions, new friendships, and special experiences. It had already been clear in advance that there would be tears. At the same time, however, we were also looking forward with anticipation to the upcoming trip to Poland, where we would see some of the students again.