Berliner Volksbank Geschäftsstelle Tel: +49 (174) 2627-535 IBAN: DE 96 1009 0000 5114 8430 34 Südwestkorso 2 Fax: +49 (30) 8547-9294 BIC: BEVODEBB 12161 Berlin www.transatlantic-academy.net

Academy of Transatlantic

Academic Studies

Fostering German-American Relations

- Est. 2014 in Berlin -

The Holocaust & Present-day Jewish Life in Germany

July 19-26, 2015

A summer study program in Berlin, Germany, for U.S. public secondary school teachers

and college professors in cooperation with the Education Division of the United States

Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C..

This one-week study tour in July of each year is designed for U.S. secondary school teachers,

college professors as well as other multipliers in the educational field to gain insight into

many of the historical, social, religious, political, and economic factors that cumulatively

resulted in the Holocaust.

It includes educational visits to historic sites in and around Berlin that played an important

role in the history of the Holocaust and the Third Reich with the participation of

eyewitnesses and survivors, as well as representatives of the Berlin city government and

distinguished members of the Berlin-Jewish community. Among other activities, the

curriculum includes visits to the following sites: German Resistance Memorial Center, House

of the Wannsee Conference, Liebermann Home & Gardens, Grunewald Deportation Station,

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Otto Weidt’s Workshop for the Blind, Jewish Museum

of Berlin, the Reichstag, Berlin’s City Hall, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the

Jewish Cemetery at Berlin-Weissensee, Central Council of Jews in Germany.

Applications are evaluated by the academy’s honorary jury as they are received -- so

applying early is to your advantage, as participation is limited to 12 individuals. All

applications must reach our office no later than April 1, of each year. If accepted into the

Berlin Summer Academy, a €uro 200.00 non-refundable down payment on the program

fee in the form of a €uro-traveller’s check is required to confirm your participation in the

program.

Berliner Volksbank Geschäftsstelle Tel: +49 (174) 2627-535 IBAN: DE 96 1009 0000 5114 8430 34 Südwestkorso 2 Fax: +49 (30) 8547-9294 BIC: BEVODEBB 12161 Berlin www.transatlantic-academy.net

Cost to the applicant is €uro 1,100.00, including transportation to historic sites, hotel

accommodations (2 to a room) and 3 meals daily. Round-trip travel from the United States

to Berlin-Tegel Airport is excluded and must be arranged individually by each participant.

Due to a cooperation with the Education Division of the United States Holocaust Memorial

Museum U.S. secondary school teachers, who have successfully completed the Museum

Teacher Fellowship Program of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C., will

be awarded the Moses-Wolfenstein-Travel-Grant of 150,00 €uros, if accepted for

participation.

Program Goals:

To advance education in U.S. secondary schools about the Holocaust and present-day Jewish life in Germany;

to deepen teachers' knowledge and strengthen their ability to implement Holocaust studies in their classrooms;

to gain insight into many of the historical, social, religious, political, and economic factors that cumulatively resulted in the Holocaust;

to understand how a modern nation can utilize its technological expertise and bureaucratic infrastructure to implement destructive policies ranging from social engineering to genocide;

to reflect about the use and abuse of power, and the roles and responsibilities of individuals, organizations, and nations when confronted with civil rights violations and/or policies of genocide;

to create an understanding of the roots and ramifications of prejudice, racism, and stereotyping in any society;

to develop an awareness of the value of democratic pluralism and encourage acceptance of diversity in a pluralistic society.

Please send or e-mail your application no later than April 1, 2015, to:

Academy of Transatlantic Academic Studies Lehr- und Lernmanufaktur für deutsch-amerikanische Beziehungen

c/o Dr. Andrea Mehrländer Executive Director Südwestkorso 2

12161 Berlin-Friedenau Germany

Fax: +49 (30) 8547-9294 E-Mail: mehrlaender@transatlantic-academy.net

Berliner Volksbank Geschäftsstelle Tel: +49 (174) 2627-535 IBAN: DE 96 1009 0000 5114 8430 34 Südwestkorso 2 Fax: +49 (30) 8547-9294 BIC: BEVODEBB 12161 Berlin www.transatlantic-academy.net

Selected Participants’ Comments 2008 - 2014

“[…] Over the past years I attended countless conferences and workshops, but never once before have I been so deeply touched and filled with enduring knowledge as on this trip. Not only was it extremely impressive to visit so many historic sites and to witness how much the city of Berlin is trying to recall the holocaust in many different ways, but it was also due to the perfect mix of background information (in the brochure), added facts on-site and the opportunity to ask questions (with answers given that did not sound ready-made) that made this experience so fantastic! As I also told you before, the most striking aspect of the summer academy to me was the encounter with so many people and their stories! For me, at least, this added so much value and clarity to the topic as I have never experienced before in all my struggles to comprehend the complexity of this subject. […] and I know, due to these encounters, I will be able to convey so much more to my students ---about all the wounds, that are still there with the

victims and their descendants, but also about the sincere efforts of the city of Berlin, and the Federal Republic of Germany, to cope with this legacy. […] I have rarely ever experienced such an outstanding lecturer as you -- and after decades of teaching, it was terrific to have been – just for once!-- on the receiving end!” (Adriana B., 2014)

"I’ve been to many Holocaust inspired

workshops in my 20 years of teaching about the

subject and I must say your program exceeded every

expectation I could have ever fathomed. To begin

with, you packed our days full of meaningful activities

but I marveled at the relaxed atmosphere you were able to retain. Secondly, the interconnectedness

of each place, activity, speaker and experience was incredibly impressive and appreciated. Your

knowledge is phenomenal and your teaching style most effective. You left no detail unaddressed.

Next, your sensitivity to our feelings, needs, desires and requests went beyond the call of duty. You

always treated us with the utmost respect and I want you to know this did not go unnoticed. Finally, I

would like to say that you […] are just lots of fun to be around. I loved […] your jokes, your insider

information and especially your passion. Armed with all

you’ve given me this past week, I hope to share with and

encourage in my students this love of learning and sensitivity

to “the other” that I’ve experienced in your presence. A

simple thank you seems so insignificant to express my

gratitude but I hope you sense just how you have impacted

me. I will most certainly be a better teacher thanks to you

and your tireless efforts. With admiration and love for my

[…] new friends in Berlin, Danke!” (Nancy P., 2013)

Berliner Volksbank Geschäftsstelle Tel: +49 (174) 2627-535 IBAN: DE 96 1009 0000 5114 8430 34 Südwestkorso 2 Fax: +49 (30) 8547-9294 BIC: BEVODEBB 12161 Berlin www.transatlantic-academy.net

"The program was of such high quality that we

wanted to partake in every bit of it. [...] The efficient

on and off again use of public transportation made

us feel part of the pulse of the city. The chaperones

were excellent and added to the experience. We

especially like hearing about their experiences

working with other German students and adults to

teach about this period of history. It helps just to

know that the German people as a society KNOW

that they somehow, in some way were responsible

for what happened and are willing to take a look at

the events of the past with eyes wide opened. The program presented a platform to discuss many of

the horrible aspects of this time. Sharing instead of hiding from so many events is liberating. I have

already noticed a change in our discussions about Germany [...] We are more road-minded about

looking for the facts instead of stereotyping "all Germans". --Yes, we learned much about Berlin,

about the Holocaust, and about ourselves. This was

a wonderful experience." (Marty and Jeryl P., 2013)

"Seriously life-changing. I cannot express how much

I love d this experience. [...] I want to thank […] you

from the bottom of my heart for the amazing week.

It was truly divine. All your care and attention was

so above and beyond. I feel genuinely connected to

everyone in our group and to this amazing city. I'm

in love with Berlin. [...] I want to come back to

Berlin and work with you in any possible way - and I

want to bring my students to Berlin.” (Kim B.-R.,

2013)

“Meeting with Margot, Beate, and the ex-Neo-Nazis

were definitely the most impactful parts of the week for

me. The strength against adversity that these people

faced is amazing and to put stories together with

someone you have the opportunity to meet face-to-face

is an unforgettable experience. [...] I learned probably

more than anyone else that week. I realized just how

little I knew and was able to gleen information from

other participants as well as the program itself. [...]

Although I have spent quite a bit of time in Germany over

the years, this was a life changing week and one I will never forget. [...] I felt at all times like I was

taken seriously as an educator, but also that I was treated like a friend. I value the knowledge and

relationships that I gained during the BSA very highly! [...] I’ve already started encouraging others I

know to apply for next year!” (Susan L., 2012)

Berliner Volksbank Geschäftsstelle Tel: +49 (174) 2627-535 IBAN: DE 96 1009 0000 5114 8430 34 Südwestkorso 2 Fax: +49 (30) 8547-9294 BIC: BEVODEBB 12161 Berlin www.transatlantic-academy.net

"I wanted to thank you […] so very much, for the energy,

passion, and integrity of the program which you directed

and facilitated. I am a better person and educator for having

participated. […] I think that the intimate, hands on

approach of the staff sets this program apart from other

seminars. […] I found virtually every moment of the program

to be emotionally compelling. I was stunned by the meeting

with the daughter of an SS officer, moved by the opportunity

to sit in the Jewish cemetery, and enlightened by our

discussion of Toyland. The visit to Sachsenhausen was unforgettable and participation in the

commemoration at Ploetzensee a once in a lifetime experience. […] I return to my classroom a much

more well-informed teacher. I will include many of the stories which I heard in my lessons and will be

better equipped to engage my students in discussions about personal responsibility to maintain a

democracy. The program reinforced the understanding that, even in the most trying situations,

individuals can make choices about their actions. […] The guides

are second to none. They are scholars of stunning merit and

human beings of compassion and substance. Their passion for

history and its lessons inspires me to continue my own work.

Through their lives they manifest dignity and grace. It was a

privilege to learn from them and with them. […] I am forever in

your debt." (Marilyn L., 2011)

"I […] feel much more aware of the complexity of what was

happening in Germany at the time of the Holocaust. I could FEEL

the terror. On the first day, when we went to see the Wall and

the headquarters of the Gestapo and SS, I had already gotten

it….the terror. Here is where it happened. Although tired and bit

bewildered from jetlag, I got it right then. I think this is an

important part of the story. How does a state promote terror?

What is it like to live in such a place? Why do people do what

they do? Why in a city of trees, were there people willing to

torture and murder? […] Even things that I already knew felt new because I was seeing them for the

first time. The guides were more than competent to lead the program – they could answer every

question and there were a lot of questions! […] Berlin is an

amazing city which has confronted a troubling and difficult

past through open discussion, architecture, art and

literature. I loved travelling through the city on bus, train,

and subway.[…] with a program that was well-organized,

intellectually fulfilling, and emotionally rich. The program

was not superficial. There was no glossing over the

uncomfortable stuff or, on the other hand, just going for

the jugular. I can’t imagine a more well-thought out study

tour; I loved it.” (Miriam M., 2010)

Berliner Volksbank Geschäftsstelle Tel: +49 (174) 2627-535 IBAN: DE 96 1009 0000 5114 8430 34 Südwestkorso 2 Fax: +49 (30) 8547-9294 BIC: BEVODEBB 12161 Berlin www.transatlantic-academy.net

"The daily program can/did leave one (me) "tired,"

but that's how I like it. Sleep soundly; then ready to

go again the next morning (...). Having city/country

natives is such a plus for us, outsiders, to glean from

life in Germany in recent decades. (...) The tradeoff

would be: What I might have learned elsewhere

during the same time period? I don't think there

are/were many comparable experiences available

this past summer." (Bill Y., 2009)

"Wow! What to say at the end to you all except

thank you. This was, by far, the best study tour experience of my life. I feel as though I were given a

gift: of time, of energy, of enthusiasm, and of global perspective! The leadership on this trip was far

and away beyond what one could reasonably expect of a 'tour'." (Shannon H., 2008)

"This was an excellent program and each of you should be proud of the energy and organization that

went into the program. The Berlin Trip is one of the best professional development experiences that I

have ever attended. I thank each of you for the time, effort, and

quality work that went into putting together an outstanding

professional development experience focused upon the Holocaust,

Jewish life today, and in the future." (John H., 2008)

"This was the best study tour I have ever been on. I spent 3 weeks in

Japan, 2 weeks in Slovakia and a week in Scotland. I feel this was the

best because of what I learned, the time schedule, the flexibility and

our guides. (...). My one request - have me back for more." (Donna D.,

2008)

"I am sorry but all the brochures and Sunday school lectures in the

world could not have prepared me for what I saw. It is one thing to

read about the Holocaust and see pictures and visit museums but, to

actually walk where it happened and realize the precision that when

into creating that horror…there is no way to prepare for that. In

all honesty, there were images I will never quite know how to

react to and I will never find a way to rationalize the inhuman

history I witnessed. No memorial or service or sanctuary will

quite make it bearable. […] I have not really coped with the

emotional burden of the trip. I have stored many images in my

brain, almost tucked away, which will remain. While the photos

taken serve as fine memories they really do not compare to those

images I have chosen to personally tuck away. I don’t really know

how anyone can cope with the inhumanity of what happened nor

find a way to accept it as history." (Ellen G., 2008)

"The reading list was quite extensive and will be helpful in the

future as I want to learn more about Germany. I only had an

Berliner Volksbank Geschäftsstelle Tel: +49 (174) 2627-535 IBAN: DE 96 1009 0000 5114 8430 34 Südwestkorso 2 Fax: +49 (30) 8547-9294 BIC: BEVODEBB 12161 Berlin www.transatlantic-academy.net

opportunity to read three books on the list, but the information in the readings put the places we

visited into a valuable historical experience. I really appreciated the work that went into developing

the reading list. […] The itinerary book we received in Germany was incredible. It had great

information, background knowledge on each sight and speaker, suggestions for activities, and the

times and methods of transportation. That book was very valuable for the trip.[…] It was the best

educational experience of my life. Their insight into Germany and Berlin was truly valuable. What I

learned on this tour was priceless and will continue to pay dividends for my students in the future. Job

well done! […] I would go again in the future without hesitation. I will gladly help promote your

programs in the USA in the future. I cannot thank you enough!!!" (Michael M., 2008)

Eyewitnesses & Distinguished Guests Featured 2008 – 2014

(in alphabetical order)

Toby Axelrod (2014); Matthias Adrian (2012); Björn and Christian Berghausen (2011); Cornelie von Bismarck (2014); Rainer Block (2013); Dr. Anne-Margarete Brenker (2014); Shila Erlbaum (2008); Hannah Schubert Dannel (2011/2014); Dr. Walter Domke (2013); Eva Drubig (2009/2010/2012/2013); Margot Friedländer (2010-2014); Prof. Dr. Rainer Kampling (2014); Dr. Christoph Kreutzmüller (2010/2013); Roman Kroke (2012); Jörg Kuhlmann (2013); Dr. Isaak Lat (2011); Ursula Mamlok (2009); Gabi Müller-Oehlrichs (2008-2014), Christa Niclasen (2012); Beate Niemann (2010-2014); Dr. Sebastian Panwitz (2014); Boris Peter (2013); Tanja Privenau (2012); Gert Rosenthal (2011); Prof. Dr. Julius Schoeps (2014), Monika Thamm (MdA) (2011); Andrea Theissen (2014); Johanna Wolter (2014); Hartmut Topf (2013-2014).

A “Suggested Reading List 2015” will be provided to each

participant six weeks prior to the program.