Activities in Israel

In 1979, Reinhard Mohn and the president of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem inaugurate the school’s “Quality of working life” program. This is not only the first of the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s many activities aimed at supporting Israel’s schools and universities. It is also important for strengthening German-Israeli relations and promoting German-Jewish dialogue, a central aim of the Bertelsmann Stiftung. In order to improve mutual understanding through open and constructive dialogue, in 1992 the Bertelsmann Stiftung begins regularly inviting leading personalities from the global Jewish community to informal discussions with German political, business and media leaders.


Study program "Quality of Working Life" at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem

The overarching theme for the long-term cooperation between the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the Bertelsmann Stiftung is "The Quality of Working Life."  A study program developed at the university addresses individual topics such as "Humanizing Work," "Corporate Structures for Today's World," "Work Design," "Social Security for Workers" and the fundamental "Relationships between Employees and Employers." The researchers responsible for this program particularly emphasize a strong focus on practical orientation.


Move to Bertelsmann AG headquarters

In autumn 1980, the Bertelsmann Stiftung – which at this time has a staff of three: founder Reinhard Mohn, executive director Dr. Hans-Dieter Weger and his assistant, Frau Mützlitz – moves from its offices in Carl-Miele Straße 198 to the Bertelsmann AG headquarters.


Case study on the social integration of non-Germans in Gütersloh

Little research has been carried out on the integration of non-Germans, especially those living in smaller cities and towns. To redress this situation, the Bertelsmann Stiftung begins funding a study in conjunction with the city of Gütersloh, which they publish in 1981 under the title of "Integrating foreigners – Illusion or realistic possibility?" Between 1980 and 1983, the foundation sets up and funds two reading clubs for young Germans and non-Germans in Gütersloh.