ASF volunteers start their one-year voluntary service

162 mostly young people are now starting their one-year voluntary services in Europe and Israel with Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste. They will work in different projects in twelve countries. This year, there are also volunteer assignments in Greece again. In their services, the volunteers accompany Holocaust survivors and their descendants. They are involved in memorials, places of remembrance and in initiatives against right-wing extremism, racism, anti-Semitism and other forms of misanthropy. Many volunteers support people with disabilities, refugees, or homeless people in social projects.
Jutta Weduwen, Executive Director of Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste:

"Especially in times of the Corona pandemic, the work of ASF volunteers is particularly valuable for many people, because through them, personal encounters are made possible. With their commitment, the ASF volunteers set an important sign against racism, anti-Semitism, and right-wing extremism. We are very pleased that five volunteers are going to Greece again this year. They will be involved there in projects and places that refer to the Nazi crimes against the Greek civilian population."

After a week-long online preparation seminar, the volunteers from Germany were sent last Sunday in more than 40 church services nationwide. They will now perform their service in Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia and Ukraine. As soon as U.S. entry requirements allow, volunteers are expected to return to serve there as well.
Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste (ASF) has been working for understanding and peace for 63 years. Volunteer services are at the heart of its work. In addition to the one-year peace services, the organization also offers two-week summer camps as well as educational and encounter programs with people and in countries that suffered under National Socialism.