Ein Gedi Youth Village Music Delegation to Hamburg

During September 2026, a delegation of students from the music track of the “Bikurim” program at Ein Gedi Youth Village will take part in a unique youth exchange at the Hamburg Conservatory, Germany, as part of the project “KlangBrücken – Sound Bridges.” This is a meaningful German–Israeli initiative centered on joint creation, intercultural dialogue, and deep learning about identity, history, and the contemporary musical world. Over the course of an entire week, the participants will work with professional musicians and educators in Germany, play in mixed ensembles, learn about the musical traditions of both countries, visit significant historical sites… all culminating in a festive concert at the Hamburg Conservatory. Why is this delegation so important? • Music as a bridge between worlds – The project highlights the power of music to connect young people who speak different languages, come from different backgrounds, and carry different personal stories. Through creation, improvisation, and collaborative work, students build trust, curiosity, and friendship. • Education for values, identity, and memory – During the visit, students will explore themes of German–Jewish history, Jewish identity, and contemporary Jewish life, through visits to memorial sites and age‑appropriate educational activities. It is a journey of belonging, resilience, and meaning. • Strengthening confidence and new skills – Participants will gain knolwedge and experience with diverse musical tools, perform on a professional stage, and learn to work as part of an international team. For many, this will be a life‑changing experience. • A true partnership between educational institutions – The project is a collaboration between Ein Gedi Youth Village and the Hamburg Conservatory, a leading institution in music education that provides workshops, teachers, professional facilities, and full pedagogical support. We need your help to make this delegation happen. The German partners are covering most components of the program — the teachers, workshops, site visits, concert, and accommodations — but there are additional significant costs, primarily the delegation’s airfare, which is not covered and amounts to approximately €10,000. To make it possible for the relevant Ein Gedi students to take part in this meaningful musical and educational journey, we are raising the remainder of the funds, and this is where you come in. With your contribution, you will: • Enable young people from the geographical and social periphery to participate in an exceptional international program • Support high‑quality music education and original artistic creation • Strengthen deep and meaningful international connections • Provide participants with an experience that will stay with them for life Every donation is another note in this shared composition — the music of the future. Thank you for your support. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The “Bikurim” arts program was founded in the Gaza Envelope region by the Dekel‑Chen family out of a dream to right a wrong by giving talented youth from the periphery an equal opportunity to grow as creators and artists. This vision became a reality in 2014, when the Society for the Advancement of Education, Jerusalem, opened a youth village for the arts in the heart of the desert — a unique environment where art is lived, breathed, and created 24/7. “Bikurim” is a melting pot of creativity, passion, and young people driven by a dream — musicians, artists, and performers from across the country who seek to push boundaries and create contemporary Israeli art with depth, roots, and vision. Hundreds of program graduates successfully integrate into the arts industry in Israel and abroad; many have been accepted to the Rimon School of Music or academic music programs through accelerated tracks (entering directly into the second year). What they all share is the unique path shaped by the youth village experience, the artistic work, and the community. Since 2021, the Bikurim program has been operating as part of the Ein Gedi Youth Village, run by the Society for the Advancement of Education — an educational gem in the heart of the desert that continues to turn barren land into a flourishing center of excellence, inspiration, and the fulfillment of dreams.