Sharon Nir-Inbar promotes exchange between Düsseldorf and Nir HaEmek

Sharon traveled to Düsseldorf with a clear goal in mind: she wanted to lay the foundation for a future youth exchange between WIZO Nir HaEmek and WIZO Düsseldorf. Supported by her scholarship, she visited WIZO Düsseldorf to work on this project. She was welcomed by the dedicated people at WIZO – Miel, Efrat, and Irit – who gave her a warm reception and actively supported the idea of a future youth delegation. This encounter opened up space for exchange, shared visions, and concrete next steps in the collaboration.

This was not Sharon's first visit to Düsseldorf: 34 years ago, as a teenager, she was part of a delegation as part of the city partnership between Haifa and Düsseldorf. This year, she returned in a new role – as an educator focusing on sustainability and Shoah education. Her aim is to empower young people to act responsibly and ecologically, combined with a deep exploration of Jewish identity and history.

Participating in the exchange program gave Sharon new ideas and international perspectives through close cooperation with WIZO Germany. The exchange laid the foundation for a planned youth delegation next year and was also an important step toward strengthening German-Israeli cooperation and breaking new ground in education:

“We are an international women's organization and support and empower people in need in Israel, regardless of their origin or religion,” is how the WIZO women describe themselves.

In six local groups, they volunteer in Germany for the benefit of society in Israel. WIZO supports and empowers people in need in Israel, regardless of their religion or origin. Through their volunteer work, they make an important contribution to peace efforts and the development of Israel's multicultural society. They are committed to initiatives that promote resilience and gender equality among the Israeli population.

This attitude also shapes the cooperation with partners such as Sharon, based on mutual respect and a shared desire to bring about social change.

In addition to the exchange with WIZO Düsseldorf, Sharon's visit to Germany was also the starting point for a new educational cooperation with teacher Tomer Goldfarb from a Düsseldorf high school. The focus is on the topic of “water diplomacy” – a forward-looking teaching project that deals with the challenges of cross-border water resources such as the Jordan and Kishon rivers. It is based on the EcoPeace educational program, which specifically uses environmental education to promote dialogue and conflict prevention.

The collaboration with the high school is not only an academic exchange, but also about building bridges. When students learn together about water scarcity, environmental protection, and cross-border responsibility, it creates a space for shared thinking, tolerance, and a vision of a more just future.

"I was here as a student over 30 years ago – as part of a youth exchange between Haifa and Düsseldorf. Today, I have returned as a teacher – to prepare the ground for the next generation. It was deeply moving and inspiring,“ Sharon sums up.

As a farewell gift, she presented her hosts with a jar of honey from the school apiary at WIZO Nir HaEmek – a symbolic sign of a new, sweet connection.

Her conclusion: ”This is just the beginning."