Israel / Germany Ernst Cramer & Teddy Kollek Fellowship
The Ernst Cramer & Teddy Kollek Programme was established in 2004 after a series of popular 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 meeting with all fellows in Berlin. After the conference, the fellows from Israel first participate in a German language class in Berlin before they start their placements at German host media.
Application
Journalists between the ages of 21 and 37 can apply. Applications must be accompanied by a detailed English CV as well as a recommendation letter issued by the head of department or editor-in-chief. It should also support the application, ensure leave of absence for the duration of the scholarship and serve as proof of journalistic activity. Samples of work may be enclosed. A very good knowledge of English is required, knowledge of German is welcome but not a prerequisite for application. For more details, please refer to the current call for applications (pdf)
Scholarship
Each fellow of the programme receives a one-time payment of 5,000 euros. 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
