This past August, 25 young Jewish adults participated in Classrooms Without Borders’ Germany Close Up seminar. The diverse group represented their hometowns of Pittsburgh, New York City, Chicago, Baltimore and Washington D.C.
The participants were selected by the CWB team based upon each individual’s entrance essay, community involvement, and vocational or educational fields. This process allows CWB to put together a group of eager individuals who have the greatest potential to learn from and engage each other. On their 12 day trip the group had a chance to meet and converse with political officials from the German Federal Foreign Office, Jewish organizations, academics and journalists, members of the Jewish community, and young Germans, both Jewish and non-Jewish.
The group also met staff from the Mobile Counseling Team against Right-Wing Extremism and Anti-Semitism (a grass roots movement and counseling service offered to those willing or needing to become active against right-wing extremism, racism and anti-Semitism), the Kreuzberg Initiative against Anti-Semitism (situated in Berlin-Kreuzberg, a predominantly Muslim neighborhood) and Action Reconciliation Service for Peace. The group also visited Heidelberg, the famous Pergamon Museum and the Jewish Museum in Berlin, a Jewish cemetery at Weißensee, as well as the Holocaust Memorial. On Friday night, the group had their Shabbat dinner with a Frankfurt congregation at the synagogue Frankeluefer.
These meetings gave a comprehensive perspective of Germany and facilitated a dialogue with all different parts of German society – politicians, activists and ordinary citizens. Or, in the words of one of the participants: “This trip is great for someone to get in touch with his/her Jewish roots, to learn more about the importance of Jewish culture and the development of German society – to discover what Germany is like now.” Amanda P. Dryer wrote: “Thank you for providing me with an incredible experience. This trip has taught me that good teachers transform students into leaders. Great teachers challenge students to become greater than they ever thought they could be. This trip has allowed me to interact with other Jewish young professionals. This trip has given me the tools to become a better teacher. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude to you, the board of Classroom with Borders, and the Jewish Federation of Great Pittsburgh. “
Classrooms Without Borders will offer this trip again in August 2015; registration will open soon. Visit classroomswithoutborders.org/ programs for more information.
