Ilona Martjin supports Peacebuilding in Berlin
Ilona Martijn spent a month with Hashomer Hatzair Deutschland e.V. in Berlin as part of a fellowship from the Netzwerk Israel, funded by the EVZ Foundation. The goal of her stay was to gain insights into the movement’s educational work and to help prepare the youth summer camp with a focus on peace.
Hashomer Hatzair is a progressive, secular Jewish youth organization that advocates for the rights and interests of children and young people.
Through non-formal education and anti-discrimination pedagogy, Hashomer Hatzair pursues the goal of a free and just society. Jewish identity is lived in a secular way—rooted in culture, tradition, history, and religion. The organization offers a safe space and is actively committed to justice in solidarity.
During her stay, Ilona became familiar with the movement’s diverse areas of work. She supported the Berlin team with daily organizational tasks and was actively involved in the planning and implementation of the summer camp. Together with the team, she helped design workshops on getting to know one another, “safer spaces,” and neurodiversity. She contributed skills from her own youth work experience and explored new areas of interest—such as during the workshop on neurodiversity.
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.
A special moment during Ilona’s stay was the screening of the documentary “Holding Liat”, which was honored at the Berlinale. The film tells the story of Israeli peace activist Liat Atzili, who was held captive by Hamas for 54 days. Together with her husband—who was also abducted and found murdered shortly before the event—she had been a member of
In addition to the intensive project work, Ilona also had the chance to explore Jewish Berlin—visiting, among others, the Bubbales puppet theater and the educational center 7xjung.
Aus den Wochen bei Hashomer Hatzair nimmt Ilona ein Gefühl von Gemeinschaft mit:
“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”.
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