The oldest German-Israeli scientific exchange programm gets 50 years old! 

Since 1973, over 2,000 German and Israeli scientists have been able to spend several months in the other country. For 50 years, this has not only promoted German-Israeli cooperation in cutting-edge research, but also maintained the friendship between the two countries, an essential asset, especially against the backdrop of their shared tragic history.

The Minerva Stiftung wanted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Minerva Fellowship Programme in Jerusalem at the end of November 2023 together with current fellows from both countries, alumni of the programme, the Fellowship Committee, German and Israeli academics and high-ranking politicians from both countries, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who had confirmed their attendance.

The plans for this celebration of friendship, mutual appreciation and the consolidation of important German-Israeli (research) relations were severely shaken by the terrible terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel on October 7. Due to the ongoing warlike developments in the region since then, the celebrations have been postponed until further notice.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to all our colleagues and friends in Israel affected by the terror, as well as to the innocent and suffering civilian population on both sides of the conflict.