50 Years of Solidarity: Histadrut and DGB Celebrate a Milestone Partnership in Tel Aviv

In a powerful display of international solidarity, the Histadrut and the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) marked 50 years of partnership this week in Tel Aviv, during a series of events that underscored the deep values and shared mission of both organizations.

“The partnership between the Histadrut and the DGB is not just a professional connection—it is a covenant of values,” said Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David, opening the inaugural Naftali Forum conference. Addressing DGB President Yasmin Fahimi and German Ambassador to Israel Steffen Seibert, Bar-David added: “On behalf of all Israeli workers: thank you. Thank you for the partnership, for the outstretched hand, and for the ability to speak eye to eye—even in difficult times.”

The Naftali Forum, held in Tel Aviv, focused on the challenges facing labor relations in times of crisis. Among the participants were German Deputy Minister for Labor and Social Affairs Kerstin Griese, Chairman of International Relations at the Histadrut Gershon Gelman, and the department’s Director General Peter Lerner. They were joined by over 50 trade union leaders and representatives from German labor foundations.

Founded in 1982 by the Histadrut and the DGB, the Naftali Foundation aims to promote institutions of science, culture, and society, and to support research and development through courses and lectures.

“We are meeting here in Israel after October 7th, in a country going through one of the most difficult periods in its history,” Bar-David said. “A country that is grieving, fighting, and coping—but also a country that continues to rise every morning thanks to its workers. They keep hospitals open, trains and buses running, schools functioning, social services operating, and the economy alive. Workers are the lifeblood of Israel. And I want to say clearly: while others speak of crisis, we at the Histadrut speak of mission.”

Later in the evening, the Histadrut hosted a special event at its headquarters to celebrate the 50-year partnership. “Fifty years of partnership between the Histadrut and the DGB is far more than an organizational milestone,” Bar-David said. “It is a human, moral, and social story about the courage to reach out, the ability to heal wounds, and the belief in the power of solidarity.”

During the ceremony, Bar-David and Fahimi unveiled a commemorative poster symbolizing the long-standing bond between the two unions. Fahimi remarked: “In the past two years, global trade unions have not made things easy for you. But for us, you are a sister union, and it was always clear that we would extend our hand to you.”

Gershon Gelman added: “This is a celebratory event that reflects the depth of our connection. Especially in these times, the solidarity of the DGB is more important than ever. Your visit is a profound expression of our friendship.”

The DGB delegation concluded their visit with a moving tour of Kibbutz Be’eri and the Nova Festival memorial site at Re’im parking lot, where they learned about the tragic events of October 7th. One delegate shared: “Thank you, Histadrut, for giving us the opportunity to feel this together, to remember this together.”