Action Reconciliation Service For Peace - ARSP

Action Reconciliation Service For Peace - ARSP ARSP is a volunteer organization based in Germany and operates in the USA since 1968. www.actionreconciliation.org

For over 50 years ARSP has been committed to working toward reconciliation and peace, as well as fighting racism, discrimination and social exclusion. Since ARSP began work in the United States in 1968, more than 700 volunteers have worked in the United States in movements for peace and social justice and for reconciliation with the Jewish community. The appeal at the founding of Aktion Sühnezeich

en/Action Reconciliation starts with acknowledging Germany’s guilt for Nazi crimes. The appeal was read out loud during the synod of the Evangelical Church in Germany in 1958 and it was signed by two thirds of its members. It states the following: “We Germans started the Second World War and for this reason alone, more than others, became guilty of causing immeasurable suffering to humankind. Germans have in sinful revolt against the will of God exterminated millions of Jews. Those of us who survived and did not want this to happen did not do enough to prevent it”. Convinced that the first step towards reconciliation had to be made by the perpetrators and their descendants, the founders of Action Reconciliation pleased that “the other nations, who suffered because of us, will allow us with our hands and with our means to do something good in their countries” as a sign of reconciliation and peace.

One year passed by so quickly. Sadly, our group has departed, but we are happy that everyone arrived safely in Germany.W...
09/02/2026

One year passed by so quickly. Sadly, our group has departed, but we are happy that everyone arrived safely in Germany.

We used our last weekend together for reflection, sharing memories, and socializing. Now they are off to new beginnings!

GOOD LUCK to our former ARSP volunteers of 2025–26! 🍀 We wish you all the best for the next chapter of your journey!

What a joyful evening! ❤️A heartfelt thank-you to Ann and Stuart for opening their home and hosting a wonderful goodbye ...
08/31/2026

What a joyful evening! ❤️

A heartfelt thank-you to Ann and Stuart for opening their home and hosting a wonderful goodbye gathering for our ARSP volunteers who have completed their year of service.

The beautiful weather let us sit outside, enjoy delicious food, and share even better conversation. We were so happy to gather with friends and partners from , , , and the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center.

A special thank-you to Pastor Jesse Brown of Christus Lutheran Church Camden for capturing this wonderful photo!

We are deeply grateful for our Philadelphia community and especially our Camden partners, with whom we have shared more than 50 years of collaboration. The evening was filled with laughter, friendship, and plenty of great “volunteer” stories!

Ann and Stuart, thank you for all you do for our volunteers—not only in Philadelphia, but in communities across the country. Your generosity and hospitality make a lasting difference. 💙

On Saturday, at our final seminar with the current ARSP group, we visited the exhibition “The Declaration’s Journey” at ...
08/31/2026

On Saturday, at our final seminar with the current ARSP group, we visited the exhibition “The Declaration’s Journey” at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. We learned about the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and its revolutionary impact. We also explored who was excluded from the Declaration’s core statement, “all men are created equal,” and discussed the contradictions between its idealistic appeal and the realities and shortcomings of the time. One group also looked at how the Declaration inspired movements across the globe.

We thank the Museum for an insightful learning experience! It was amazing to visit the exhibition and the museum during the 250th anniversary celebrations in Philadelphia.

After the visit, we enjoyed a beautiful picnic, where our friend Roberta provided us with pizza. ARSP is grateful to have such supportive friends and a wonderful community!

We welcome Clara, former ARSP volunteer, who returned this summer to help us with our two seminars. Thank you Clara, eve...
08/30/2026

We welcome Clara, former ARSP volunteer, who returned this summer to help us with our two seminars. Thank you Clara, even if it is only for a little bit, it is great to have you back.

Clara:
“I'm so excited to be back in the U.S. to help out at the upcoming seminars for the outgoing and incoming volunteers. Three years ago, I volunteered at Hebrew Senior Life in Boston. That's an experience I still enjoy thinking back on. I look forward to hearing about the volunteers' experiences and to welcome the new volunteers at the next seminar. Before going back to Germany I will have some time to travel around, explore more of the U.S. and catch up with old friends.”

In the midst of so many farewells, we have some exciting good news! 🎉Jack can’t wait to begin his service at the Neuenga...
08/26/2026

In the midst of so many farewells, we have some exciting good news! 🎉

Jack can’t wait to begin his service at the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial. He’s already sitting on his packed suitcases, ready to catch his flight and start this important new chapter. ✈️🇩🇪

We wish you a safe journey, Jack—and an inspiring, meaningful service! We can’t wait to see all that lies ahead. 💙



This is the time of year for many goodbyes. In Washington, DC, staff, colleagues, and our ARSP volunteer Victor recently...
08/25/2026

This is the time of year for many goodbyes. In Washington, DC, staff, colleagues, and our ARSP volunteer Victor recently said goodbye to Dr. Diane Afoumado, Director of the Resource Center at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Dr. Afoumado is an inspiring leader who mentored countless ARSP volunteers, training them to become excellent researchers and helping them support clients in finding answers in long-forgotten files.

Thank you, Dr. Afoumado for your dedicated service to the USHMM and for all you have done for ARSP and our volunteers. You will be greatly missed! ❤🙋

The volunteer year is slowly coming to an end, and this is also true for Margalit, who has completed her volunteer servi...
08/19/2026

The volunteer year is slowly coming to an end, and this is also true for Margalit, who has completed her volunteer service at the Neuengamme Memorial.

Margalit leaves her position as an experienced and accomplished communicator, having been active in public relations, giving tours, and doing research. You can follow her many short and insightful videos on TikTok. Between December and July, Margalit was involved in developing an audio tour on an app about Jehovah's Witnesses during the time of National Socialism at Neuengamme, which was a very intense and time-consuming project that required many hours of research, reading, writing, and editing. Moreover, on her tours, Margalit touched many people and helped connect them with Neuengamme's history.

We thank Margalit for her service and wish her a safe return to the U.S. May she continue to carry out ARSP's mission as she begins a new chapter in her life. 🙋❤

07/28/2026

Dear friends,

This weekend's attack at Christopher Street Day Parade in Berlin leaves us all heartbroken. An attack on LGBTQ+ people is an attack on all of us and on the values of an open and democratic society.

At ARSP, we remain committed to confronting anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, defending human rights, and building a society based on equality, solidarity, and respect.

We also speak out against the dehumanizing rhetoric of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which seeks to undermine diversity and Pride celebrations, and falsely portray itself as a defender of democracy while promoting exclusion and division.

Love is stronger than hate. 🏳️‍🌈❤️

Glad to be back at Joseph's House in Camden! Every visit reminds me of the incredible work they do, providing a safe pla...
07/08/2026

Glad to be back at Joseph's House in Camden! Every visit reminds me of the incredible work they do, providing a safe place to stay for around 80 guests every day, along with meals, laundry facilities, and health-related services. What always stands out is the welcoming atmosphere and the sense of community throughout the shelter.

The one with the biggest smile is our ARSP volunteer, Emanuel! He has become a beloved member of the Joseph's House community, supporting the staff, sorting donations, preparing meals, and serving guests. What he loves most about his volunteer service is that every day is different—and every day feels meaningful.

Thank you, Emanuel, for bringing joy, compassion, and positive energy to the Joseph's House community in Camden! 💙


Pride Month reminds us that democracy depends on protecting the rights and dignity of every person.Our volunteers work e...
06/26/2026

Pride Month reminds us that democracy depends on protecting the rights and dignity of every person.

Our volunteers work every day in museums, schools, synagogues, refugee organizations, and community centers dedicated to remembrance and human rights.

Remembering history means recognizing where discrimination can lead—and choosing solidarity instead.

We are grateful to all our volunteers who help build more inclusive communities every day.

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

Address

1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA
19102

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Action Reconciliation Service For Peace - ARSP posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category