Achava is the Hebrew word for brotherhood – which is exactly what the ACHAVA Festival in the German state of Thuringia is all about: bringing together people, religions, and cultures. Exhibitions, discussion panels, guided tours and concerts encourage encounters between visitors to meet each other. For example, they can experience a Shabbat service, wander through Erfurt’s Jewish quarter, or listen to klezmer music. The idea is to break down prejudices and fears and replace them with knowledge and mutual understanding. Especially in times of growing intercultural tensions, the festival seeks to set an example for tolerance and dialogue.