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As Brücke Project Closes Window on America Opens
Since September 11, 2001 more than 1,000 young people from the United States have visited Germany in the framework of the "Brücke New York-Berlin" project. This visitors program was based on an initiative put forward by the German government and supported by German industry. "Brücke New York-Berlin" was a five-year project. At the initiative of US Ambassador William R. Timken a new exchange program is being set up that will take young people from Germany to the United States. Chancellor Angela Merkel thanked all those who helped implement the project, emphasizing the transatlantic friendship and solidarity experienced by families of 9/11 victims. In a speech given on November 28 to members of the "Brücke New York-Berlin" organization, deputy government spokesman Thomas Steg praised the dedication and helpfulness shown by helpers and sponsors, saying: "The bridge was a very successful and good thing, first and foremost since young people from both countries had a chance to meet, learn from one another, and develop an understanding of one another." Speaking in Berlin at the same event, Ambassador Timken agreed, saying that for Americans the project was a symbol of Germany's deeply felt sympathy and support for them in their hour of need. Contribution to international understanding and solidarity After the attacks of September 11 the German government wanted to send a signal of support for the American people by extending an invitation to young people from affected families in and around New York. German industry showed an immediate interest in the project. A key step in implementing it was DaimlerChrysler's founding of a non-profit organization with the name "Brücke New York - Berlin". The automotive giant coordinated the project on behalf of all the other German companies that provided support. Steg noted that the name of the project intentionally included the word "Brücke", given that the objective was to build bridges. "Bridges of friendship across the Atlantic, bridges of encounter, bridges from Berlin to New York, bridges from Germany to the United States. Bridges help people come together," he observed. Young people from Germany to visit US The "Brücke New York – Berlin" project has ended, but the idea of tolerance and international understanding between Germany and the United States lives on. The new Windows on America program will uphold this spirit, offering young Germans from immigrant families an opportunity to visit the United States. Just as in the case of the "Brücke" project, support will be provided by industrial sponsors. Students from immigrant families have tended to be underrepresented in exchange programs. "Windows on America" will give the young people who qualify a chance to fulfill their own "American dream", Ambassador Timken said. December 4, 2006
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