Although the Department for Zionist Activities has organized regional gatherings in the past, this was the first one of the newly created Forum of Zionist Federations (FZF) as stipulated in resolution 14 of the 35th Zionist Congress.

The agenda included, in addition to a very emotional visit to Dachau, accompanied by Mr. Mannheimer, a Holocaust survivor and ex-inmate of the camp; an interesting and enlightening lecture by Prof. Dr. Michael Wolffsohn – "History as a Trap: Europe, Jews and Zionism"; a meeting with Mrs. Charlotte Knobloch, the President of the Jewish Communities of Germany; greetings from Mr. Ilan Mor, Minister, Embassy of Israel in Berlin; discussions about how we can meet today's challenges within Europe, focusing on fighting anti-Semitism, Israel Advocacy and defining Israel's place in European Jewish life; and the ongoing work of the European Zionist Federations. The practical nature of the gathering was emphasized with the presentation of the Department's work plan and several initiatives for 2007-08. In addition to general discussion of its elements, all participants were divided into task forces to deal with different aspects of it as well as WZO Renewal and the European Forum. The intensive work in small groups (click here for a summary of these sessions) was followed by reports, sharing ideas and continued brainstorming together.

In addition to Department staff, the gathering was attended by Mr. Hagai Meirom, Treasurer, Jewish Agency/ World Zionist Organization; Rabbi Yechiel Wasserman, Head, Department for Religious Affairs in the Diaspora, WZO; Mr. David Roche, Regional Director (Europe), JAFI; Mr. Igal Greenstein, Jewish Agency Shaliach in Germany; and Mr. Ilan Roth, European Desk, Hagshama Department, WZO. Their participation gave expression to the Department's commitment to working in cooperation with all its partners, and to its belief that an effective Zionist Federation is one that is able to build positive working relationships with others in the community.

The Conference was held in the brand new recently inaugurated Jewish Community Center of Munich, which includes a beautiful synagogue – Ohel Jacob, a kosher restaurant, school, library, social center, Jewish Museum, sports facilities and an administrative building, and is the largest post-war Jewish building project in all of Europe. The significance of the venue, particularly after our visit to Dachau – was lost on no one, and added to the very positive and warm atmosphere that was enjoyed by all participants. It was wonderful seeing old friends, meeting new ones and having the opportunity to do some Zionist networking.