Programs and Events

Selected Events July-October 2009

Jewish American Artist Mindy Weisel Engages North German Audiences in a Dialogue on Arts and Tolerance

October 26-27, 2009. The U.S. Consulate General and the German-American Institute Kennedy Infozentrum in Kiel presented Mindy Weisel, the daughter of Auschwitz survivors who has been able to transform and transcend a legacy of loss into hope and spirituality through art. Ms. Weisel introduced her life, her art and struggles in an animated and very personal presentation called "Art as Autobiography: The Survival of Beauty." In Hamburg, the Institute for the History of the German Jews and the Amerikazentrum partnered with the Consulate, and Pol/Econ Officer Karen Bel welcomed around 40 guests to the event. On the morning of October 28, Ms. Weisel visited the Bergen-Belsen memorial site in Lower Saxony, where she was born in a displaced persons camp in 1947. In Kiel, she addressed 38 guests of the Kennedy Infozentrum, the American Studies Department of the University of Kiel and the Jewish Community Kiel at a special memorial and educational site and former bunker called "Mahnmal Kilian." The program in Kiel concluded with a dinner hosted by the Jewish Community Kiel.

The U.S. and Asia – Expert Round Table in Hamburg

October 23, 2009. Robert Dujarric, Director of the Institute of Contemporary Japanese Studies at Temple University's Japan campus, addressed a group of 16 scholars and Ph.D. students about U.S.-Asia relations at the Institute for Asian Studies in Hamburg, part of the German Institute of Global and Areas Studies (GIGA). It is Germany's largest non-university research institute that deals solely with the Asia-Pacific region and conducts research on political, economic and social affairs in contemporary Asia. Dr. Dirk Nabers, head of the GIGA research program on "Power, Norms and Governance in International Relations" chaired the round table. In his presentation, Dujarric covered a wide array of topics, including U.S. policy options with regard to North Korea's weapons of mass destruction and a possible unification with South Korea; the U.S.-Japanese alliance; Japan's need to promote women in the workplace and to reform immigration policies; and U.S.-Chinese relations.

CDU Youth Group Briefed on U.S. German Relations

October 21, 2009. Political-Economic Officer Karen Bel delivered a presentation on the state of U.S.-German relations to a group of 26 members of the Hamburg CDU youth organization Junge Union (JU) at the consulate. The speech covered cooperation in relation to Afghanistan, Iraq, international terrorism, and climate change. In her discussion, Bel answered many diverse questions, ranging from security policy issues to the future of the U.S. Consulate in Hamburg.

The Future of Information Professionals Lecture in Hamburg

Award-Winning U.S. Children's Book Author Captivates Youth in Northern Germany

October 19 to 21, 2009. On October 19-21, the Public Affairs Section organized a reading tour with Margaret Peterson Haddix, who has written more than 20 books for kids and teenagers, and who is best known in Germany for her seven-book series "The Shadow Children." The series deals with third children in a society that only allows two children; the third children initially have to hide but eventually band together and risk their lives bring about change. Haddix attended the Frankfurt Book Fair to introduce her new science fiction series "The Missing." Haddix read at a high school in Bremen on October 19, at public libraries in Schwerin and Wismar that are both America@yourlibrary partners, and at the Literature House in Rostock on October 21. All in all, more than 400 high school students –190 in Bremen and Schwerin, more than 100 in Wismar and 40 in Rostock - had an opportunity to hear a native speaker read and to meet with a U.S. author. She engaged her audience in an animated question and answer period on her work and the art of writing, life in the U.S. and American teenagers. The series was part of Post’s youth outreach and was designed to familiarize younger audiences with American literature and language, and in the case of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, also to encourage them to regularly visit our America@yourlibrary partners to check out more U.S.-related books, CDs and films.

American Saxophone in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Workshop and Concerts

The Best International Breakdance Crews Compete in the 20th "Battle of the Year" in Braunschweig

Goettingen Literature Festival Features Pulitzer-Prize Winning Author and Leading U.S. Physicist

Colloquium on International Financial Regulation at the Hamburg Institute of International Economics

Ambassador Held Town Hall Meeting in Bremen

New Political and Economic Officer Karen Bel Welcomed in Hamburg

Karen Bel (on the left), CG John- son and Michael Wendt from "Die Motte"

September 22, 2009. Consul General Karen E. Johnson hosted a welcoming reception for the new Political and Economic Officer Karen Bel who had previously served in the Energy Office at the State Department in Washington. Representatives of Northern Germany's political parties, various NGOs, the American Chamber of Commerce, Iranian and Kurdish communities, integration practitioners, as well as law enforcement officials attended the event. The reception inspired a variety of outreach events which will be realized in the coming months.

Hamburg Consul General Opens Northern Germany's Largest Youth Exchange Fair

CG Johnson at the fair

September 19, 2009. Consul General Karen E. Johnson visited and opened the 9th Youth Exchange Fair that the Citizen Foundation Region Ahrensburg held in Bargteheide in Schleswig-Holstein. In her opening remarks, she encouraged young Germans to spend time abroad in the U.S. and highlighted how a stay abroad promotes mutual understanding and helps to establish long-lasting ties between the U.S. and Germany. Consul General Johnson also participated in a panel discussion on the merits of international youth exchange programs. All in all, more than 2,000 high schools students, teachers and parents visited the fair at which 50 exchange organizations presented their programs. more

Consul General Karen E. Johnson Hosts Iftar Reception at U.S. Consulate General in Hamburg

Iftar at U.S. Consulate General

September 13, 2009. Consul General Karen E. Johnson welcomed 54 leaders and representatives of various Muslim communities in Hamburg, Bremen and Schleswig-Holstein, fellow Consul Generals and alumni of the International Visitor Leadership Program to an Iftar reception at the consulate. In her welcoming remarks, CG Johnson read the President's Ramadan message and highlighted the U.S. commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect. Imam Ramazan Ucar from the Alliance of Muslim Communities in Northern Germany also addressed the guests. The program was concluded by the breaking of the Ramadan fast after sunset. The reception was part of Post's ongoing dialogue with Muslim communities in Northern Germany.

Hamburg Heroes - State Alumnus Singled Out at Koerber Foundation Anniversary Celebration

Daud Ahmad Ata (© David Aus- serhofer)

September 8, 2009. More than 280 guests of the Koerber Foundation had an opportunity to learn about three "Hamburg Everyday Heroes" who took part in programs that the foundation supports. The evening was part of the week-long celebration that marked the 50th anniversary of the foundation and the 100th birthday of the founder Kurt A. Koerber. Among the three Hamburgers that were singled out for their spirit of volunteerism and their contributions to civil society was State alumnus Daud Ahmad Ata. In 2005, he initiated a successful neighborhood tutoring project, "Education Against Crime," following mass rioting carried out by the youth in his neighborhood of Osdorfer Born. A university student at the time, he recruited fellow students from the neighborhood who helped high risk high school students. In 2008, Daud Ahmad Ata took part in the State Department-sponsored integrationXchange program that the Koerber Foundation and CDS International organized and that was designed for professionals and volunteers who work in organizations that represent and/or serve immigrant communities.

U.S. Senators Visit Hamburg

Mrs. Cornyn, Senator Cornyn, Dr. Shelby, Senator Shelby, CG Johnson and Consul Duran

August 23-26, 2009. In their visit to Hamburg, U.S. Senators Richard Shelby and John Cornyn were briefed on the Container Security Initiative (CSI), toured the Port of Hamburg with representatives of the Hamburg Harbor Police and received an overview of scanning procedures at the Hamburg container X-ray facility (CPA). Their program also included a working dinner at CG Johnson's residence with the publisher of Die Zeit, the editor-in-chief of Der Spiegel, the President of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and the Director of the Institute for the World Economy in Kiel. The discussion focused on the worldwide economic and financial crisis, Afghanistan and Iran. The consulate also hosted a reception that was attended by local politicians and government officials, as well as business and education leaders.

Hamburg Youth Meet and Practice With U.S. Dancers from "Rock the Ballet"

Lukulule and "Rock the Ballet"

August 14, 2009. 13 youth from Lukulule, a Hamburg-based NGO that aims at empowering youth through music, dance and the arts, met with U.S. dance star and director Rasta Thomas and his "Bad Boys of Dance." Their "Rock the Ballet" has taken Hamburg by storm with a spectacular show that fuses ballet with musical theater, hip-hop, the martial arts, contemporary and tap dance. In addition to getting a backstage tour of the theater by lighting designer Lutin Tanner, the group watched a rehearsal and enjoyed a special 45-minute training session with Rasta Thomas, his wife and dance partner Adrienne Canterna as well as with the ballet master of "Rock the Ballet", Sean Kelly.

International Students from the University of Applied Sciences in Bremen Visit the Hamburg Consulate

The guests of the University of Applied Sciences in Bremen

July 21, 2009. Public Affairs staff member Martina Schulze met with a 29-member delegation from the University of Applied Sciences in Bremen to introduce the work and mission of the U.S. Consulate General in Hamburg and its public diplomacy activities. The delegation included students and faculty from the University of North Carolina in Wilmington who are taking part in a summer course on the German Language, Culture and Economy at the University in Bremen.

Stand Up Paddling World Cup: New U.S. Sport Attracts Interest in Hamburg

CG Johnson (middle) at the SUP World Cup Award Ceremony

July 12, 2009. From 10-12 July, the first Stand Up Paddling (SUP) World Cup Event was held in Hamburg under the patronage of Consul General Karen E. Johnson. More than 140 surfers - amateurs and pros - from around the world participated in this SUP contest held on an historic canal in Hamburg's HafenCity. On Sunday, U.S. surfing legend Robby Naish, together with Consul General Johnson awarded trophies and prizes to the winners. More than 27,000 visitors attended the event during the three days.

‘Up North’ - Consul General Visits Germany's Northernmost Region

CG Karen E. Johnson giving the opening remarks in Flensburg

July 10, 2009. On July 9 and 10, Consul General Karen E. Johnson visited the northern region of the Consulate's district. Stops included the Isle of Sylt and the city of Flensburg. On Sylt she met with Westerland Mayor Petra Reiber and held a town hall meeting with a group of high school students. She also visited Germany's northernmost city, List. Together with List Mayor Wolfgang Strenger Consul General Johnson visited the recently opened Maritime Science Center. In Flensburg, Consul General Johnson met with Lord Mayor Klaus Tscheuschner and signed the city's ‘Golden Book'. Following this ceremony Ms. Johnson helped open this year's Flensburg harbor and steamship festival. In Flensburg, Consul General Johnson also gave an extensive interview to daily newspaper Flensburger Tageblatt.

U.S.-Hamburg-Network: Meeting at Consulate General

The American Consulate General

July 8, 2009. On July 8, a meeting of the U.S.-Hamburg-Network took place at the American Consulate. Consul General Karen E. Johnson welcomed more than 20 mid and high level representatives from the city, institutions, academia as well as business and industry associations from Hamburg that have close ties with the U.S. The informal network aims at facilitating the exchange of information and strengthening the ties between many different actors from this field in Hamburg.

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Körber Foundation in Hamburg

CG Karen E. Johnson (right),  Dr. Lothar Dittmar, Michael Schüller and the Junior Fire Department Stellingen (© Achim van Gerven)

July 8, 2009. Consul General Karen E. Johnson took part in a special ceremony with Körber Foundation board member Dr. Lothar Dittmar and Michael Schüller, head of the all-volunteer junior fire department in Hamburg Stellingen. As partners the Körber Foundation and the Consulate awarded the youth fire fighters of Stellingen with a prize to help them maintain and expand a transatlantic exchange program with youth fire fighters in Mineola, New York, the first of its kind in Germany. The junior fire department of Stellingen successfully took part in the "Anstiften ("Incite - 50 Ideas for Hamburg") competition that the Körber Foundation initiated. CG Johnson was a member of the "Anstiften" jury and the consulate is one of the by now 66 supporters that pledged matching funds to complement the prizes Körber has begun to award. more

MeetUS Program on the American Dream and the President Obama in Stralsund

Alexandra Lysenko and Ryan C. Kennedy with students from the Goethe Gymnasium in Stralsund

July 7-8, 2009. U.S. interns Alexandra Lysenko and Ryan C. Kennedy from the Political-Economic Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Hamburg traveled to Stralsund to participate in a MeetUs program with students from the Goethe Gymnasium. The interns gave presentations to two 11th grade classes and one 8th grade class. The focus of the presentations was the American Dream and expected changes from President Obama. The Q&A session covered a range of topics including Hollywood, Michael Jackson, and American/German stereotypes.

USS Klakring Visits Port of Hamburg

CG Karen E. Johnson and Com- manding Officer Steve Smith welcome guests

July 6, 2009. From July 6-9, U.S. Navy frigate USS Klakring (FFG-42) visited the port of Hamburg and moored at the 'Überseebrücke'. Coming from a series of joint exercises with NATO partners the USS Klakring enjoyed a stay in Hamburg that included official and cultural programs. The Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg invited crew members for a traditional ‘Senate Breakfast'. Commanding Officer Steve Smith hosted a cocktail reception onboard USS Klakring for more than 70 guests from Hamburg that were welcomed by Consul General Karen E. Johnson. Photo Gallery

Independence Day in Hamburg

CG Karen E. Johnson and mem- bers of the United States Marine Corps in Berlin

July 4, 2009. Consul General Karen E. Johnson welcomed more than 600 guests to a reception at the consulate to celebrate the 233rd Independence Day of the United States of America. The event which ran from 1-5 PM included musical performances, square dancing, cheerleading demonstrations, special activities for children and a display honoring Abraham Lincoln. Consul General Karen E. Johnson and Berndt Röder, President of the Hamburg State Legislature, delivered opening remarks, stressing the close friendship between Northern Germany and the United States of America. A detachment from the United States Marine Corps in Berlin presented the colors and U.S. singer Jonathan Guss together with the brass quartet of the Hamburg Police Orchestra performed the national anthems of Germany and the U.S.

Fourth of July Celebration in Hamburg Showcases American Culture

The Hamburg Blue Angels Cheer- leader

July 4, 2009. The Consulate offered a four-hour entertainment program for the more than 600 guests that spent the Fourth of July at the U.S. Consulate General. The Hamburg Blue Angels cheerleader welcomed the guests with a half-hour athletic program and being greeted by Tweety became popular among young and old alike. Two square dance groups, the Muddy Boots from Hamburg and the Cross Country Hoppers from Norderstedt, entertained the guests in the consulate's ballroom. At a large tent in the backyard of the consulate, a variety of groups and singers entertained the guests with a special musical program: The brass quartet of the Hamburg Police Orchestra played American favorites, the clarinet ensemble of the music school in Pinneberg played classical tunes, U.S. singer Terri Green presented American soul, Four Live from Uetersen sang American barbershop songs, DJ Julian played Jazz records and the Rover Rep Singer presented traditional spirituals and songs from the American Musical Theater.

Selected Events January-June 2009