Exhibition and artist talk open up new perspectives on Germany and Israel

The exhibition "I See Something You Don't See. Germany. Israel. Insights." opened at the LernWerk Bocholt on Tuesday evening with a private viewing and a discussion with the artists.

It was developed by cultural studies scholar Dr Alexandra Nocke, who is also a co-author of the book "Israel. Germany. Insights.", which was also the focus of the evening. Together with the Israeli writer and human rights activist Lizzie Doron, she spoke about personal experiences, differing perspectives and questions of home, identity and belonging.

The exhibition is also part of Intercultural Week 2026 in Bocholt. The opening provided a space for encounters, exchange and a shift in perspective. The focus was deliberately on the personal stories of people who know Germany and Israel from their own experience.

Dr Alexandra Nocke began by introducing the origins and concept behind the exhibition. As a cultural studies scholar, curator and co-author of the book "Israel. Germany. Insights.", she has been exploring issues of memory, identity and the German-Israeli dialogue for many years. The exhibition and the book draw on the personal experiences of people with ties to both countries. Kerstin Erkens, second deputy mayor of the town of Bocholt, welcomed the guests. She emphasised the importance of initiatives that bring people with different life stories, beliefs and experiences into dialogue with one another, thereby promoting democratic coexistence at local level.

During the opening ceremony, the late Bocholt local historian Josef Niebur was also commemorated. In particular, his long-standing commitment to the local culture of remembrance was honoured.

35 people, two questions

The exhibition presents 35 figures from the worlds of culture, politics, diplomacy, the media and civil society. They all have a personal connection to Germany and Israel and each answer two questions: "What comes to mind when you think of Israel?" and "What comes to mind when you think of Germany?". The insights that emerge reveal a variety of experiences, memories and associations. The exhibition is spread across two areas of the LernWerk: the foyer and the small foyer on the first floor. Rather than presenting a single, uniform perspective, the focus is on individual biographies and everyday stories.

A conversation about home and identity

In a conversation between the artists, Alexandra Nocke and Lizzie Doron discussed personal and societal connections between Germany and Israel. Lizzie Doron spoke about her life between Tel Aviv and Berlin, her work as a writer and her commitment to peace and human rights. Among other things, the discussion centred on the question of what constitutes home and a sense of belonging, and how personal experiences, language and culture shape one's identity.

Drawing on texts and personal memories, a multi-layered exchange emerged on Jewish life, social developments and different forms of belonging. It became clear that personal stories can provide a way into topics that are often heavily politicised in public debates.

Sylvia Löhrmann, the State Commissioner for North Rhine-Westphalia responsible for combating antisemitism, Jewish life and the culture of remembrance, contributed a digital message of welcome. She urged participants to take different perspectives into account and to focus on people and their stories.

Exhibition runs until November

The exhibition "I See Something You Don't See. Germany. Israel. Insights." was developed to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel and was first shown in 2025 at the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament. It is currently on display at various venues across North Rhine-Westphalia.

The exhibition can be visited at the LernWerk Bocholt until 18 November 2026. It aims to encourage visitors to learn about different experiences, ask questions and engage in dialogue with one another. The event is a collaboration between the VHS Bocholt-Rhede-Isselburg, the Culture and Archives Department and the Westmünsterland Working Group of the German-Israeli Society e.V., and is funded by the City of Bocholt, the VHS project "Diversity (Helping to) Shape Diversity - Focus 2026: Strengthening Educational Pathways Democratically, Professionally, Collaboratively and Sustainably" and the Rudolf and Margot Ostermann Foundation.