Action Reconciliation Service For Peace - ARSP
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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 Sühnezeichen/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.
09/22/2026
Our volunteer group in Chicago is now complete! Due to a delay, Jakob arrived a few days late.
From left to right: Anne, Jakob, Emi, Aaron, and Sophie.
All five will support three organizations in Illinois. Anne and Emi will volunteer with Cradles to Crayons; Aaron and Sophie will serve at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center; and Jakob will volunteer with Selfhelp Home.
All five are excited to learn, serve, and experience American life. They would like to thank their supporters for making this journey possible.
09/21/2026
We wish our friends and supporters a meaningful and peaceful Yom Kippur. and peaceful Yom Kippur. May this holiday bring reflection and renewed hope for the year ahead.
09/21/2026
09/14/2026
**Bon Voyage – Have a great trip – Gute Reise – Buen viaje!**
After two weeks of seminar—one week in Germany and one week in Philadelphia—it was time to say goodbye this morning and send our volunteers off to their placements across the USA! 🇺🇸
They are excited to begin their year of service, meet their new co-workers and host families, and start exploring their new “cities.” 🏙️
Wishing you all an amazing year filled with new experiences, meaningful connections, and plenty of adventures. **Go make it a great one!** ❤️
09/14/2026
During our seminar, we invited guests from our partner organizations to speak with us about the American workplace: Sama Algheri from Family Promise Philadelphia, Katie Wooters from Cradles to Crayons and Shaloo Jose from Hias PA. Our guests shared their personal stories, the experiences they have gathered throughout their careers, and how they arrived at their current roles.
It was especially impressive to hear them speak with such admiration and enthusiasm about their employers and the work they do.
Thank you to all of our guests for taking the time to share their experiences and insights with us. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn from you!
09/13/2026
This year, our seminar for the new ARSP volunteers coincided with Rosh Hashana, giving us a wonderful opportunity to learn and celebrate together. 🍎🍯
A big thank you to Rabbi David Straus for joining us for dinner at Chamounix Mansion on Thursday and introducing our volunteers to Judaism in the US and the traditions of Rosh Hashana.
On Friday, Jewish families throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding area opened their homes and synagogues to our volunteers. Some joined families for Rosh Hashana dinner, while others experienced the holiday at synagogue. It was a truly special experience—and a beautiful example of Philadelphia’s welcoming spirit.
We are so grateful to everyone who included our volunteers in their celebrations and made them feel at home.
Thank you all, and we wish everyone a **happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year!** 🍎🍯✨
09/10/2026
Last but not least, meet our volunteers Arwin and Malena who are serving at Hebrew Senior Life in Boston, Hannah at Selfhelp Community Services and Project Ezra in New York , and Luna at Clinton Housing in New York.
Their Philly adventure was off to a great start! 🦅 They kicked things off at the Comcast Center, where they even ran into some Eagles cheerleaders! From there, they checked out the Portal at City Hall, explored Reading Terminal Market, wandered through Independence National Historical Park, and took in the history of Independence Hall.
09/10/2026
ARSP volunteers! 💙🌎 Just arrived and playing the city game
Joschka is headed to Cleveland to serve with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH), while Leopold will volunteer with the InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF). Jan is off to Washington, DC, to serve at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Helena and Inka are heading to Virginia to lend a hand at Innisfree Village.
But first… a little Philly adventure! 🚶♀️🚶♂️ They walked from City Hall through Midtown and the LGBTQ+ community, all the way to Fourth Street and historic Fabric Row.
And then they discovered Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens… ✨🧩
Judging by the many playful photos we received , we think it’s safe to say they loved it! 😍
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1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA
19102