Deutsch-Israelische Gesellschaft

The Deutsch-Israelische Gesellschaft e.V. (DIG) is a central, non-partisan organization in the Federal Republic of Germany that has been committed to promoting and deepening relations between Germany and Israel since its founding in 1966.

The DIG emerged from the German-Israeli study groups that existed at various universities in West Germany and West Berlin starting in 1957. The official founding of the DIG took place on March 21, 1966, in Bonn, about a year after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and Israel[3].

The main mission of the DIG is to deepen the relationships between the people in Israel and Germany in all areas of public and cultural life. The society works in solidarity with the State of Israel and its population and advocates for peace, security, and economic as well as social stability. The DIG promotes international connectedness, tolerance, and understanding among peoples, especially in the Middle East[3][5].

The DIG is represented nationwide with over 9,000 members and more than 50 regional working groups. These working groups organize a variety of events, including lectures, seminars, exhibitions, concerts, study trips, and special youth events. The Young Forum of the DIG, aimed at members between 14 and 35 years old, promotes exchange between young people in Israel and Germany and provides a platform for sharing experiences and deepening bilateral relations[3][5].

The DIG is actively engaged against anti-Semitism, right-wing extremism, and for integration. It demands consequences for attacks on media professionals and advocates for press freedom. Furthermore, the DIG insists that anti-Semitic, racist, or inhumane content should not receive financial support. The society also plays an important role in raising awareness and engaging against the support of terrorist organizations such as Hamas[3][5].

Currently, Volker Beck serves as the president of the DIG. The society has a secretary-general who professionalizes and expands the work of the DIG. The regional presence of the DIG is ensured through its numerous working groups and the Young Forum[3][5].

The Deutsch-Israelische Gesellschaft e.V. is a central actor in promoting German-Israeli friendship and tirelessly works to strengthen the human, cultural, and economic connections between Germany and Israel.

• 1 - https://www.bpb.de/die-bpb/foerderung/traegerdatenbank/232923/deutsch-israelische-gesellschaft-e-v/
• 2 - https://www.jewish-places.de/DE-MUS-975919Z/facility/dec1ea0e-ccf5-40f3-9948-4841b0411b33/Deutsch%20Israelische%20Gesellschaft%20Hannover
• 3 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutsch-Israelische_Gesellschaft
• 4 - https://www.deutsch-israelische-gesellschaft.de
• 5 - https://www.deutsch-israelische-gesellschaft.de/dig/