Press Release, German-Israeli Future Forum Foundation, April 23rd, 2009

On April 23, the board of trustees of the new German-Israeli Future Forum Foundation made their first funding decisions. At the meeting, the chairperson of the board of trustees, Dr. Michael Jansen, affirmed that, “we would like to foster a closer and more sustainable network between youth in both countries.” During a very productive first funding meeting it became clear during the discussions that the new foundation complements already existing funding opportunities, and more significantly it provides paths for new possibilities.

The foundation has set out to encourage young adults from both countries to become involved in stimulating and detailed projects during the first years of their studies or professional training. The Israeli ambassador Yoram Ben-Zeev emphasized, “it is especially important to develop ideas together, follow them through and consequently build long-lasting networks.” Projects were chosen that speak directly to current topics and offer opportunities to mediate experiences in particular ways.

Given this focus, the projects chosen for funding include a cooperation between the Film and Television Academy in Potsdam and an Israeli film school to generate Internet and mobile phone “spots” that give the viewer a glimpse of how the other country is perceived. In another project, German and Israeli comic artists, with the support of the German Centre for Fairytale Culture, will develop a comic-guide for Berlin and Tel Aviv. In celebration of Tel Aviv’s 100-year birthday, an OktoberFEST will take place in the city in November in the company of well-known musicians and young, up-and-coming performers from Germany and Israel who will put on concerts and offer workshops during the festival. What’s more, the Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel together with two Israeli universities will host a summer academy for advanced students from both countries to come together to discuss both the challenges and changes facing German and Israeli society. These participants will also have the opportunity to meet with experts in the field working outside academia.
 
The idea to create the German-Israeli Future Forum Foundation was initiated by both heads of state during the celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries. The foundation is located in Berlin and its board of trustees is comprised of highly regarded German and Israeli public figures.

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