Grateful for what connects us – this was the motto of the Thanksgiving reception hosted by the American Society of Schleswig-Holstein, The Bay Areas e.V., and the Transatlantic Student Initiative (TSI).

In their welcoming speeches, Mayor Bettina Aust, US Consul General Scott Woodard, and Malte Krüger, Member of the State Parliament, emphasized how important it is to maintain transatlantic dialogue, especially in these times.

This is particularly successful on a personal level and with people with whom we share the same values. How we experience this in associations and with partners and friends in the USA, especially in San Francisco and California, was made clear in the panel discussion „Building Transatlantic Bridges“:

• great interest in exchanging ideas and learning from each other
• Connections to Europe are being sought
• Understanding the need to solve global challenges together
• diverse networks on both sides of the Atlantic
• Willingness to share knowledge and contacts

The American Society was delighted to receive a special Thanksgiving gift. Both the state and the city recognize the value of transatlantic ties and will provide financial support to the association for the establishment of a transatlantic education and cultural center.