Story

Where It All Began

The East–West Dialogue Association grew out of a long-standing partnership between educators and organizations committed to one idea:
real understanding begins with meeting.

The story started in 1999, within the German organization Building Bridges e.V., founded by Peter Staffa.
At the same time, connections were formed with educators in Israel, including Mara List from Kibbutz Ein Shemer.

From this collaboration, a shared vision emerged —
to create meaningful encounters between young people from different cultures, identities, and backgrounds.

From First Encounters to a Growing Network

What began as small youth exchanges between Germany and Israel soon expanded to include Poland and additional partners.

These early encounters were simple but powerful: young people meeting, staying with host families, learning together, and forming real human connections.

At the same time, the initiative brought together diverse communities within Israeli society —
religious and secular Jews, Druze, Arab citizens, Christians, and others — creating a rare space for dialogue within the region itself.

Building an Educational Approach

Over the years, the activity became more structured and intentional.

Programs were developed around key themes:

Personal and collective identity
Historical memory
Cultural understanding
Dialogue in complex social realities

The approach combined workshops, seminars, and shared experiences —
always centered on direct human encounter.

A Partnership That Lasts

For more than two decades, the cooperation between the Israeli and German teams has remained at the heart of the project.

Together, they have created:

Youth delegations
Educational seminars
International encounters
Long-term collaborations between educators

These partnerships are not one-time events —
they are ongoing relationships built on trust, continuity, and shared work.

A Network Across Countries

Over time, a wide network of institutions and partners has developed across Germany and Israel.

Core Partner – Germany: Building Bridges e.V.

Partner Institutions in Germany

Caritasverband Nürnberg e.V.
Kurt Löwenstein Haus
Haus am Maiberg – Akademie für politische und soziale Bildung
Building Bridges e.V.

These institutions have hosted delegations, supported seminars, and helped shape the educational framework of the programs.

These partners have played a central role in preparing participants, hosting encounters, and sustaining the educational process.

A Long-Term Journey

From 1999 through the 2000s and 2010s, the initiative continued to grow:

Expanding delegations and programs
Deepening international cooperation
Building a strong alumni network
Creating lasting personal and professional connections

Even in changing realities, the commitment to dialogue remained constant.

2026 – A New Stage

After more than 25 years of shared activity,
the Israeli association East–West Dialogue was formally established in 2026.

This step marked a new phase:

Strengthening the educational work in Israel
Expanding international partnerships
Building a sustainable organizational structure
Continuing the long-term vision of connection

A Living Human Bridge

Today, East–West Dialogue is more than a program.

It is a growing network of people connected through shared experiences, trust, and dialogue.

A living human bridge between East and West —
one that continues to expand with every encounter.

Schools, youth groups, educators, local authorities, and volunteers are welcome.

Join a delegation, host a group, or build a partnership with us.

📞Contact Us:
info@eastwest-dialog.org | +972-546712244 | whatsapp here

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