Ilona Martjin supports Peacebuilding in Berlin
As part of a scholarship from the Israel Network, supported by the EVZ Foundation, Ilona Martijn spent one month with Hashomer Hatzair Deutschland e.V. in Berlin. Her goal was to gain insights into the movement’s educational work and help prepare the upcoming summer camp focused on peace education.
Hashomer Hatzair is a progressive, secular Jewish youth movement that advocates for the rights and interests of children and young people. Through non-formal education and an anti-discriminatory pedagogical approach, the organization works towards a just and inclusive society. Jewish identity is lived in a secular way, rooted in culture, tradition, history, and religion. Hashomer Hatzair provides a “safer space” and is committed to social justice in solidarity with marginalized communities.
During her stay, Ilona became familiar with the diverse activities of the movement. She supported the Berlin team in day-to-day operations and played a key role in preparing the summer camp, which took place during her final weekend in Berlin. Together with the team, she co-designed workshops on group-building, safer spaces, and neurodiversity. The neurodiversity workshop was particularly impactful for Ilona, as it opened up an entirely new field of interest for her.
In parallel to the seminar, the series “Peace in Judaism” was taking place at Hashomer Hatzair Germany. The program explores Jewish perspectives on peace in religion, society, and politics. Ilona was also actively involved here. During a Shabbat dinner, she facilitated a discussion on humanistic aspects of Judaism. The Shabbat – the day of rest – holds deep meaning as a symbol of peace in Jewish tradition. The greeting Shabbat Shalom reflects this emphasis.
Sommercamp at HaShomer HaTzair Berlin, that Ilona supported. Photo: Ilona Martijn, 2025.
One of the most emotional moments of her stay was the screening of the Berlinale-awarded documentary Holding Liat, which tells the story of Israeli peace activist Liat Atzili, who was held captive by Hamas for 54 days. Both she and her husband – who was also kidnapped and later found murdered – were members of Hashomer Hatzair in their youth. Ilona moderated a conversation following the film, which was especially moving for her, as she had met Liat just weeks earlier at a memorial event.
n addition to the intensive project work, Ilona also got to know Jewish Berlin better – including the Bubbales puppet theater and the educational center 7xjung.
What left the strongest impression on her, however, was the feeling of community.
“During my last days in HHD and while we were on the preparatory seminar with the teenagers and many helpers, Israel attacked Iran and the war between the countries broke out. This was one of the toughest events most of us went through, being together and surrounded by other Israelis, sharing the pain and being worried together was very supportive for everyone. This very painful experience made me understand the importance of a community”.
Hashomer Hatzair Germany is such a space – one that Ilona came to know and support during her scholarship stay.
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