Visit of Bärbel Kofler – February 28, 2019

On the 28th of February, Bärbel Kofler, the Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid and Social Democratic Member of Parliament, visited the Willy Brandt Center as part of her visit to Israel and Palestine.

During her stay, Bärbel Kofler visited many Israeli and Palestinian institutions and representatives, and took particular interest in German projects for humanitarian development in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Her visit at the Willy Brandt Center was an opportunity to reflect on her impressions and on recent political developments in the region, particularly with regards to the growing pressures on political activists in both societies, and the different narratives and claims that have shaped the conflict.

The project managers of the Willy Brandt Center, Judith Höffkes, Petra Klose and Maja Sojref, welcomed Bärbel to the Center and shared with her their insights and challenges from their recent work in the fields of dialogue and conflict transformation. Also joining the meeting was a Shabibat Fatah activist from Silwan, who is a frequent participant in our political cooperation. He explained what challenges Palestinian residents of Jerusalem face with regards to housing, employment and residency, and shared his wishes for the future of his neighbourhood and the city.