With You I Am Myself / Mit Dir bin ich ich — Israeli artist and photographer Oranit Ben Zimra portrays 24 pairs of friends in words and pictures. This collection of large-scale photographs form a mosaic of German-Israeli friendships. The story of each friendship is told in a sensitive and touching way.

“When I look at my photographs displayed in this exhibition, I am filled with optimism and a renewed belief in humanity.”

– Oranit Ben Zimra

“With our anniversary exhibition we want to show people friendships and connections, because friendship strengthens – both in Norderstedt and in Israel,” says Ayala Nagel, chairwoman of the “CHAVERIM” association and co-initiator of the photo exhibition.

The non-partisan and non-religious association CHAVERIM – Friendship with Israel eV was founded on May 14, 1998, on the 50th anniversary of the State of Israel, is a recognized cultural institution of the city of Norderstedt. Their focus is to promote understanding between Jewish and non-Jewish citizens, promote mutual acquaintance and understanding between Israeli and German citizens, and educate the public about the Holocaust and history of Jewish persecution. 

This exhibition was created to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the CHAVERIM organization. The exhibition was shown at the Norderstedt City Museum from May 11 – November 12, 2023. 

This exhibition is supported by the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, Iowa Economic Development Authority, National Endowment for the Arts, Regional Development Authority, Scott County Regional Authority, the Rauch Family Foundation II, Modern Woodmen, and WVIK.