After an intensive week of inspection - and many months of thorough preparation - the result was ceremoniously announced on Saturday, October 18, 2025: The Schmidt School was once again awarded the Seal of Excellence from the Central Office for German Schools Abroad (ZfA).

This award is significant evidence of the outstanding quality of our work. The school management, teachers, employees, parents and students have worked towards this goal with great commitment and joint effort.

The entire school community receives the renewed confirmation of the seal of quality with pride and joy - in recognition of continuous excellence in education, transmission of values ​​and school development.

“Jerusalem is not easy,” says an 11th grade student. “Not just because of the conflict and tension, but because the city is asking you big questions while you’re so young.” The students addressed these questions in a film project lasting several months. Her topic: Identity as a young woman in an old, torn city.

Supported by experts from various areas, they approached their topic step by step. They discussed with peace activists the opportunities and limits of political solutions and the importance of the young generation in this process. Social workers spoke to them about self-determination, life paths and building sustainable networks. In conversations with family members, the students discovered how much their grandparents' stories shape their own self-image.

Practical skills were also on the program: journalists taught the young people to distinguish fact from fiction and to keep an eye on what is important in the midst of contradictory narratives. Filmmakers and TV reporters introduced her to camera work, editing and imagery. In the end, impressive films were created, which were presented as part of a celebratory closing event.