From May 3–7, 2026, students from the Simone Veil Research Centre for Contemporary European Studies at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev took part in an intensive study tour across Germany, with a strong focus on the historical and contemporary differences between East and West Germany.
Traveling through Thuringia in the east and Hesse in the west, participants explored how the legacy of division continues to shape political structures, social realities, and regional identities today. Visits to key political institutions and meetings with senior policymakers provided first-hand insight into governance at the federal state level and the distinct challenges faced in each region.
The program combined historical learning with contemporary perspectives on German–Israeli relations and the role of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Exchanges with civil society actors, young political representatives, and members of Jewish communities further enriched the experience, offering personal and diverse viewpoints on life in different regions in Germany.
By combining academic content with direct encounters and on-the-ground experiences, the tour provided participants with a nuanced understanding of Germany’s ongoing transformation and the lasting impact of its divided past, including how the differing historical trajectories of East and West Germany have shaped and continue to influence German–Israeli relations and Jewish life in Germany today.
