Message of Greeting
 

I am delighted that the "Germany Close Up – American Jews Meet Modern Germany" programme organized by the New Synagogue Berlin – Centrum Judaicum Foundation offers young Jewish Americans the opportunity to get to know Germany for themselves. Personal impressions, encounters and frank conversations are the best way to foster mutual trust and understanding.

I believe it is very important that young Americans can experience modern Germany first-hand and see how it is dealing with the past. The picture they take home will, in many ways, have an impact on the future development of German-American relations.

Jewish life in Germany is marked today by a rich cultural diversity and social vitality. During the last few years, Jewish communities in Germany have grown tremen­dously. For that we are grateful. This welcome development and its significance for the young generation in Germany and other corners of the world will play a central role in the events organized as part of this programme, as will coming to grips with the horrific Holocaust years.

I therefore wish the New Synagogue Berlin – Centrum Judaicum Foundation every success with this ambitious programme and all participants an interesting and reward­ing stay, new impressions and many pleasant surprises.

Discover Germany!

Horst Köhler, President of the Federal Republic of Germany

Horst Köhler © Bundespresseamt