Israel / Germany Ernst Cramer & Teddy Kollek Fellowship
The Ernst Cramer & Teddy Kollek Programme was established in 2004 after a series of alumni research tours to Israel and Lebanon. It is named after the German journalist Ernst Cramer (1913 – 2010) and the former mayor of Jerusalem Teddy Kollek (1911 – 2007). Both had worked with great passion for reconciliation between Israel and Germany.
Within the framework of the scholarship programme, the IJP wants to contribute to an intensive dialogue between the media in a region particularly affected by conflict and at the same time invite journalists from the Middle East to exchange with their German colleagues. This is done in cooperation with state institutions, foundations and sponsors in Germany and Israel. The fellowship is simultaneously announced for journalists in Germany who can apply for a two-month stay in Israel. Since 2005, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine have been included in the programme, with Jordan and Egypt joining in 2006. Currently, up to five journalists from these participating countries are invited to Germany each year; the same number of German journalists are sent to the Middle East.
Timeline
The programme begins each year at the end of October with a joint two-day introductory conference, bringing together all participants in Berlin. This is followed by a German language course for the Israeli fellows. Subsequently, participants start a two-month placement at a German host media outlet. Upon their return, all fellows submit a report of at least three pages, detailing their experiences, activities and impressions of the host country.
Application
Israeli and German journalists aged 21 to 37 are eligible to apply. The application must be accompanied by a detailed English CV with a passport photo, a short motivational letter, as well as a recommendation letter issued by the head of department or editor-in-chief. This letter must support the application, guarantee a leave of absence for the duration of the scholarship, and serve as proof of journalistic activity. Work samples may also be included. Very good English proficiency is required, German language skills are welcome but not a prerequisite. For further details, please refer to the current call for applications.
Scholarship
Each fellow of the programme receives a one-time payment of 5,000 euros (stipend money + 1.000 euros travel allowance). The amount is intended to cover most of the participant’s travel expenses, board and lodging. Scholarship holders are expected to make a certain contribution of their own. There is no remuneration for any journalistic work on site.
“Not only did I make some of my best friends during those two months, the fellowship also had a lasting influence on my career: I later moved to Israel, completed a Master program in Jerusalem, and subsequently corresponded from Tel Aviv, Amman and Beirut. After some seven years in the Middle East I worked as crisis reporter for DER SPIEGEL, mostly covering the war in Ukraine. And as of January 2024, I am again based in Tel Aviv, having become correspondent for Israel and the Palestinian territories. I highly recommend applying for the Middle East program, or in fact any other program of IJP. The organisation offers a remarkable network of colleagues as well as the chance to partake in conferences and study trips around the world.”
Thore Schröder, Alumnus 2010
