Youth exchange between the Jewish communities of Chemnitz and Akron
Chemnitz delegation travels to the twin city
From 25 July 2013 to 11 August 2013, five young people and the chairwoman of the Jewish community in Chemnitz, Dr Ruth Röcher, will be travelling to the twin city. This visit has two special features: In the history of the town twinning, which began in 1997, it is both the first exchange between the Jewish communities and the first youth exchange.
Contacts with the Jewish community in Akron had already been established in 2003 during an official visit by a Chemnitz delegation to Akron. However, it took a few more years until Dr Zev Gurion, economic advisor to the city of Akron and board member of the Akron Global Business Acceleretor - partner institution of TCC Chemnitz - personally gained an impression of Jewish life in Chemnitz in spring 2013 and got the "youth exchange" project rolling together with Dr Röcher.
As a result of a round of applications, five young people (four girls, one boy) aged between 16 and 18 were nominated for the trip to Akron. This number was based on the number of families in Akron who were willing to take part in this "adventure". The young people from Chemnitz can expect an extensive programme in Akron, which their hosts have put together under the motto "Chemnitz adventure 2013" (English version of the programme is attached).
The Chemnitz delegation will of course get to know Jewish life in Akron. This will include services in the three Jewish communities, a visit to the Maltz Museum and participation in the summer camp at the Akron Jewish Community Centre, where sports and games will provide an opportunity to meet people of the same age. The host families are also sure to plan some joint activities with their guests.
In addition, the young people will attend a meeting of the Akron City Council, where they will also meet Lord Mayor Donald Plusquellic. They will visit the University of Akron and the Akron Global Business Accelerator technology centre. Sporting highlights during their stay will be two important baseball games, to which the hosts have invited them.
This trip is intended to be the start of a long-term collaboration between the Jewish communities. Next year, young people from Akron are expected to visit Chemnitz. There are also plans to include Chemnitz in the city of Akron's annual "Holocaust contest". The specific conditions are to be agreed during the course of the visit.
Note for editorial offices: If you have any questions, please contact Dr Ruth Röcher directly.