Support for Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste e.V.
The Finkelstein Foundation is funding Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste e.V. (ASF) from 2025 to 2027. A look back at the summer camps 2025.
Summercamp in Osnabrueck, Germany © ASF
In the summer of 2025, ASF once again offered its popular educational and dialogue format of the summer camps, bringing together young people from various countries to engage with the history of National Socialism and actively participate in shaping a culture of remembrance. The programs combine historical education with creative work and promote international exchange. The summer camps took place, among other locations, in Berlin-Schöneweide, Osnabrück, and Oświęcim (Auschwitz)—each with its own focus.
„Searching for Traces of Forced Labour“ in Berlin
In Berlin-Schöneweide, the history of forced labor under National Socialism was the central theme. Under the title “Searching for Traces of Forced Labour,” participants engaged deeply with the subject and created a photo exhibition under professional guidance. Creative workshops offered an artistic approach to the topic. Alongside historical presentations and excursions, an international evening brought together the diverse cultures of the participants. This shared experience fostered a strong sense of community and open dialogue.
Copyright © ASF
Archaeological Excavations in Osnabrueck
The summer camp in Osnabrueck focused on hands-on work: at the Augustaschacht Memorial, participants carried out archaeological excavations, contributing to research on a former so-called “labor education camp.” Around 2,000 men and boys were imprisoned there under inhumane conditions and forced to perform hard labor.
Through the practical excavation and documentation work, the summer camp created a very tangible way of engaging with history. This combination of physical work and reflective learning offered a vivid and personal connection to a lesser-known chapter of Nazi history. The program was complemented by visits to additional historical sites and a Shabbat celebration.
Copyright © ASF
“I appreciated the mix of physical work and educational input […]. It was exciting to get to know this small, rather unknown place and truly understand the concept of a labor re-education camp.” – Participant in Osnabrück
Oświęcim (Auschwitz)
In Oświęcim, participants visited the memorial sites of the former Auschwitz I and Auschwitz-Birkenau camps in Poland. Through workshops, excursions, and exchange, they explored the complex history and deepened their personal engagement. The emotional experience and intercultural dialogue not only expanded their knowledge but also strengthened their awareness of democratic values and social commitment.
Copyright © ASF
“Understanding how political and social events unfold and impact society—historical events must not be ignored, as they shape how our society functions today. The emotions I experienced will stay with me, because compassion is the spark that drives us to stand up for justice.” – Participant in Oświęcim (Auschwitz)
About the Funding
The Finkelstein Foundation supports the summer camps because they offer young people the opportunity to develop resilience—the ability to critically and confidently face attacks on our democracy. Through intensive engagement with history and shared experiences in international groups, participants learn to take responsibility and actively work toward a just future. This approach strengthens social cohesion and democratic values.
The summer camps in 2025 impressively demonstrate how history remains alive and inspires personal and societal growth. They combine education, creativity, and encounter to create a lasting experience that empowers young people to act as responsible agents in a democratic society.
About Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste (ASF) e.V.
Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste (ASF) e.V. has been committed to remembrance, reconciliation, and international understanding since 1958. To date, more than 16,000 volunteers have taken part in hundreds of summer camps across Europe, the United States, and Israel – with around 150 young people from all over the world participating each year. In addition, ASF runs year-long volunteer programs that have involved some 11,000 participants to date.
For more information, visit Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste e.V.
