Ensuring Israel’s security is Germany’s staatsräson, or "reason of State." The AJC Berlin Lawrence and Lee Ramer Institute for German-Jewish Relations helps maintain this special relationship through foreign exchange programs and Berlin-based advocacy.
Standing up for Israel
AJC Berlin helps ensure Germany’s rhetoric on staatsräson matches its actions. When the Boycott Divestment Sanctions (BDS) movement made inroads into Germany, AJC publicly exposed the antisemitic nature of the campaign. Our brochure on BDS led to concrete political action, with the German parliament labeling the organization as antisemitic.
Connecting Germans and Israel
The AJC Berlin Ramer Institute works with AJC Project Interchange to bring leading German government officials, parliamentarians, journalists, and civil society actors to Israel. Participants receive an on-the-ground look at contemporary Israeli politics and security issues, meeting with government officials and civil society actors from across the political spectrum.
AJC’s 25-year partnership with the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) has brought hundreds of military leaders to Israel to learn about Jewish life and the security situation in the region. The program also provides the opportunity for military-to-military contact, strengthening the German-Israeli strategic partnership. In 2019, the Defense Ministry appointed a military rabbi to minister to Jewish Bundeswehr soldiers, the first in nearly 100 years.
