Events

International Conference on Counterterrorism

Strengthening German-Israeli Cooperation One Year After the Hamas Attack

On October 7, 2024, one year after the devastating Hamas terror attack, the International Conference on Counterterrorism took place in Herzliya. Organized also in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Israel and the Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) at Reichman University, the event served as a pivotal platform for advancing German-Israeli cooperation in the fight against global terrorism. The timing of the conference, marking the tragic anniversary of the Hamas attack, added a profound sense of urgency to the discussions. Experts, policymakers, and security professionals from Germany, Israel, and beyond convened to share insights, strategies, and innovative solutions to counter the continuing threats posed by terror organizations. In his keynote Thomas Haldenwang, President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the German Constitution, stated the efforts Germany is undergoing in fighting antisemitism in Germany and dealing with threats of global terrorism. The relationship between Germany and Israel, built on mutual trust and shared security interests, was a central theme throughout the event. "Both nations have long been on the frontlines of the fight against terror—Israel facing regional threats like Hamas and Hezbollah, while Germany grapples with domestic extremism and global terror networks", underlined Michael Rimmel, Director of the KAS office in Israel, during a panel on the Geopolitical and Global Terrorism Impacts of October 7th. Also Ambassador Dimiter Tzantchev, EU Ambassador to Israel, emphasized the importance of the EU speaking in one voice regarding its support of Israel and clearly condemning the brutal terrorist attacks against it. “The EU needs to take a more active role in addressing the crisis in the region. It must be clear that these attacks are not only against Israel but against the global democratic and liberal order”. Dr. Meir Javedanfar, an expert on Iran, further emphasized the common challenges of Israel and the western liberal democracies, outlining the short-term and long-term strategies and objectives of the Iranian regime to destroy both. Prof. Assaf Moghadam, former Dean of the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy at the Reichmann University, highlighted the values that Israel and Germany share, which stem from history but have long become a strong and unique relationship based on open dialogue and democratic values. He assessed the waves of Antisemitism that erupted in Germany shortly after the events of October 7, and quickly overshadowed the fact that Israel was the one being attacked. He argued that there is a direct connection between expressions of Antisemitism in the public sphere and the strengthening of radical Islam and terrorism in Europe since it fuels and encourages extremists to take action. The conference emphasized how these experiences allow for deeper collaboration between Europe, Germany and Israel, whether through intelligence sharing, joint counterterrorism operations, or technological innovation. One year after the Hamas attack, the conference also served as a reminder of the human cost of terrorism. It reaffirmed the commitment of Germany, Israel, and their allies to remain steadfast in their efforts to prevent future attacks and to build a safer world for all. Through initiatives like this, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung continues to support and strengthen the German-Israeli relationship, ensuring that the fight against terror remains at the forefront of international cooperation.

Conflict in Sudan: An Invitation to a Dialogue Session

A KAS-MDC Forum for Intra-Regional Dialogue

Join us for an expert panel discussing the conflict in Sudan. This event, moderated by Sarah Awaidah, brings together Gal Lusky, the founder of Israeli Flying Aid (IFA), Dr. Haim Koren, former director of the Political Planning Division at Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former Israeli ambassador to Egypt and South Sudan. They will be joined by Mekki El Mograbi press writer on African Affairs and former diplomat in Washington D.C.

Herzliya Conference 2023

Vision & Strategy in an Era of Uncertainty

The 20th Herzliya Conference will be taking place later this month. As in previous years, this high-profile event will bring together speakers from around the world. We would like to draw your special attention to "Where are Jewish-Arab Relations Headed?", a panel discussion being held on the second day of the conference (23/05/2023), in cooperation with KAS Israel.

75 Jahre Israel: Der schwere Weg zu Versöhnung & Freundschaft mit Deutschland

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The Jewish King of Warsaw: Szczepan Twardoch in conversation with Michal Zamir

An event forming part of the series "On Political Turmoil and Human Destiny" in cooperation with KAS Israel

"King" is the latest book by Polish author Szczepan Twardoch, a crime novel telling the story of Yakub Shapira, a Jewish gangster and professional boxer. The author takes his readers into the underworld of 1930s Warsaw and masterfully sketches the growing antisemitism in Polish society at the time. The conversation between Twardoch and journalist Michal Zamir will focus on the Jewish underworld in Poland, the author's extensive research for his book and his surprising choice of subject for this literary work. This event is part of the special "On Political Turmoil and Human Destiny" series and takes places during the Jerusalem Writers Festival.

Salaam Iran: Golnaz Hashemzadeh Bonde in Conversation with Liraz Charhi

An event forming part of the series "On Political Turmoil and Human Destiny" in cooperation with KAS Israel

Golnaz Hashemzadeh Bonde was born in Iran and fled to Sweden with her parents when she was a child. In her second novel, "What We Owe", she relates the story of Nahid, an Iranian woman fleeing her country in the wake of Khomeini's rise to power. Designated a "masterpiece" by The Times, this book has won multiple literary awards and was translated into 25 languages. The conversation between Hashemzadeh Bonde and Liraz Charhi will centre around refugees and immigration, the longing for the bygone Iran, the current situation in the country as well as the life of the author. This event is part of the special "On Political Turmoil and Human Destiny" series and takes places during the Jerusalem Writers Festival.

Russia's Invasion of Ukraine One Year Later and Its Impact on the Middle East

Hiwar - A KAS-MDC Forum for Intra-Regional Dialogue

Arab Citizens and the Israeli Judicial Reform

Muntada - Forum on Arab Politics and Society in Israel

Please note that this event will be in Hebrew only.

Can Liberal Democracy Defend Itself From Internal Challengers?

Historical and Comparative Lessons

From Sharm El Sheikh to Abu Dhabi

A Climate and Security Conference with the INSS

Together with the INSS and the President's Israeli Climate Forum