The young people spend several days in the Rhine-Main region and in Cologne. The focus is on getting to know one another, intercultural exchange, and shared experiences with history, the present, and everyday culture. The goal of the exchange is to foster personal connections, break down prejudices, and build friendships across national borders. This year’s exchange holds special significance for everyone involved. Many of the young people have been preparing for months to see each other again and get to know one another in person. This makes it all the more joyful that the exchange can now take place.

During the reception at City Hall on Thursday, June 18, Dr. Patricia Becher, Head of Social Affairs, welcomed the young people and the participating staff members. She presented the participants with their certificates and recognized the commitment of everyone involved. She emphasized: “Many conflicts arise when people only talk about one another. This youth exchange creates an opportunity to talk with one another. It provides young people with personal experiences that can break down prejudices and foster friendships. Such exchanges make an important contribution to mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.”

The youth exchange is funded by the German-Israeli Youth Organization ConAct and the City of Wiesbaden through the Wiesbaden International office. It is currently the only German-Israeli youth exchange for this age group in Germany that is carried out with funding from ConAct. The program is guided by the principle of maintaining contact even in challenging times and of strengthening relationships between young people from Germany and Israel in a sustainable way. After all, mutual understanding begins where people meet, talk to one another, and share common experiences.