Derzeit sind 20 Schülerinnen und Schüler von Celles israelischer Partnerstadt Mazkeret Batya am Celler Kaiserin-Auguste-Viktoria-Gymnasium zu Gast. Oberbürgermeister Dirk-Ulrich Mende hat sie am Nachmittag gemeinsam mit ihren Gastgebern im Alten Rathaus zu einem Empfang geladen. Das Grußwort hielt Mende in englisch, hier im Original-Wortlaut:
Dear students from Mazkeret Batya, a very warm welcome in Celle.
Recently I’ve even been in Mazkeret Batya where I met you at our welcome. I was very impressed with the beautiful land of Israel, by the people and especially the hospitality.
Since the partnership between Mazkeret Batya and Celle was establishment three years ago there is a very intense exchange between the Rabin High School and the KAV-Gymnasium in Celle. I am very pleased about that.
For me it is the second time to welcome a group of students from Mazkeret Batya in Celle.
This visit again is under a theme that includes a common past and present. The contemporary issue still is to learn from the history for the future and looking ahead. My opinion is, to foster and develop friendly relationship and mutual understanding.
Of course, on the program is a visit to Bergen-Belsen. There you will work together and prepare at the Jewish memorial a Commemoration Ceremony. It is very important to me to be present there at Friday afternoon.
The program includes an excursion to our federal capital Berlin, too. As I understand, Berlin is a city that even among young Israelis is “in”. You visit the Jewish Museum and learn about the long German / Jewish history which also took place at the time of National Socialism with a terrible end. Today, Berlin has the largest Jewish community in Germany.
But Celle itself is on the program, too. I hope, our beautiful old synagogue, the old town and the Christmas market line will impress you. I am particularly pleased that you light a Chanukka-candle on Thursday evening in the Synagogue together with the Celle Jewish community.
I wish you a pleasant stay and I‘m looking forward how exchanges develop and hope friendships will stay permanent.
Empfehlen
