It began with a spiritual hunger for more, became a personal passion, and eventually led Simon Schauer, via volunteer work, to a part-time position in the "Young Generation" department at Christians Standing with Israel (CSI). In this interview, he explains why Israel is more than just a travel destination for him, how responsibility and crises have shaped him, and why this work is not just a job, but a calling. The questions were asked by Dina Ehrhardt.
By Dina Ehrhardt
Dina: If you had to describe yourself in two or three sentences: Who are you – and what motivates you?
Simon: I'm an open-minded, cheerful person and I enjoy making others laugh. What has become important to me over the course of my life is that more Christians come to know and experience Jesus as their Jewish Messiah. I developed this as my guiding principle at some point. The question for me is always: Does what I'm doing right now serve this goal? I'm currently experiencing this very strongly – especially in my work with JCSI (Young Christians Standing with Israel).
How did your passion for Israel begin?
It all started around 2011/12 in my church, or more precisely, in my small group. There was someone there who regularly offered afternoon workshops to delve deeper into questions of faith. The topics of these workshops were very diverse: the Holy Spirit, the end times, revelation, baptism… But what always came up was a connection to Israel and Judaism. I wasn't familiar with that from my own church. In 2012, this leader organized a trip to Israel; I had just turned 18. So I went along and lost a piece of my heart in Israel – and in return, I gained a great passion. From then on, the topic always occupied my thoughts.
I've been there eleven times now. In 2017, I spent three months as a volunteer. Hearing about Israel sparked a hunger for more, and the trip itself fueled that desire. When I was in Israel once with friends who were critical of the state, my romanticized view of Israel was shattered. After that, I delved deeper into the subject. I realized: in Israel, nothing can be separated. What had previously seemed like distinct areas to me—the Bible here, politics there—began to overlap and merge into a cohesive whole. Since then, media outlets like Israelnetz and Israel Today have been a daily part of my life.
How did you come across CSI?
I visited Israel several times privately between 2016 and 2019. After my fifth visit, I realized: I know the classic tourist spots, but I want to see more and experience different perspectives. That's how I got the idea to join a group tour again.
In 2022, a trip organized by JCSI (then still called Israel Connect) came at the perfect time. Despite the relatively high cost, it was a fantastic opportunity for me. At the same time, I hoped something would come of it and that perhaps something more could develop. I had been waiting a long time to be able to get involved with something related to Israel, but between 2017 and 2022, no doors seemed to open.
After the trip, we asked you if you'd like to join our team. Was there any hesitation? Or were you immediately enthusiastic?
Actually, I approached you first. And that was on the second day of the trip. I immediately said that I could imagine working as a tour guide or staff member for JCSI.
Take us along on your first assignment with us: How did you feel?
My first assignment was the June 2023 trip, where I participated as a staff member. It was wonderful to apply my knowledge, share my enthusiasm for Israel with the participants, and be part of the tour leadership team. It was also encouraging to realize that my knowledge was sufficient to answer the questions asked and that the official title of "guide" isn't necessarily required to create a fantastic and unique experience for other young Christians.
It was exciting, but also felt very right. Israel became more and more a part of my everyday life and was no longer just a tourist destination. My network grew – also thanks to a "multiplier trip" with some JCSI members, together with you. A personal dream came true for me: to have real contacts in Israel and not just talk about the country or know the current situation solely from the media.
Have you changed through your volunteer work? What have you learned professionally and personally?
Much of it developed organically. There were fewer major "milestones," but rather a continuous evolution. Professionally, I naturally learned a great deal through my involvement in research trips, participation in the CSI Israel Academy, and my first speaking engagements. I would say that my biblical knowledge and historical understanding have deepened considerably. It was also formative to meet people personally whom I previously only knew from the media: for example, Josiah Tershüren or local journalists.
Overall, there's a special feeling of finally being able to give something back after many years of input. Since 2017, I've been learning about Israel almost daily – now I can share that knowledge. For my work with Israel, it's also very important to separate emotions from facts, something I'm constantly improving at. At the same time, my involvement has changed my understanding of God, because I've been able to consciously experience the God we believe in as the God of Israel.
What has been the most challenging moment in your career with us so far?
The most challenging day was June 13, 2025. I've already written about it in the article "Bible Bunker: Bittersweet ." It was during the unexpected twelve-day war against Iran, when we were in Jerusalem with a tour group. My co-leader, Stephan Mannl, and I were jointly responsible for the group. It was an extreme and probably the most challenging moment of my life—personally, logistically, and spiritually.
At the same time, I had the feeling that God had been preparing me for this moment for years – as a leader, as a person, as an individual. I recently received some lovely feedback on this: A participant on this trip told me she was able to remain calm because I radiated so much peace. Inwardly, I was anything but calm. We were also grateful for our contacts in Israel, who gave us security in this situation. We also had a strong sense of unity as a tour leadership team.
What was the biggest adjustment for you when switching from volunteer work to a permanent position?
The biggest adjustment was no longer having my regular job. CSI was previously one of several volunteer positions I held, alongside the fire department and my involvement in church. The part-time job turned my volunteer work into part-time employment. Interestingly, this actually gave me a bit more free time, which I'm currently using for further studies.
At the same time, I became newly aware that this isn't just a job, but a calling. As a volunteer, I often thought I was already fully living my calling. Being able to do this professionally now is an enormous privilege. Of course, this also brings responsibility, professionalism, and the need for mental well-being. Passion can also "create suffering"—that's why it's important to consciously take breaks. And personally, it helps me that I can pursue a degree and run my own business alongside my part-time position at CSI, so I don't "lose myself" in my passion.
How are you doing after a year working 50 percent with us in the Young Generation department?
I'm doing very well. The work is simply wonderful. Of course, you become more professional over time. The initial euphoria has subsided somewhat, and a routine has set in. The current phase of leadership change at CSI is very exciting. At first, I thought, "More change!" Initially, this seemed unpleasant, as my career path at CSI has been characterized by continuous change: from a volunteer team member at Israel Connect to the management team at JCSI, then to a part-time job in social media, and then back to a part-time position at JCSI...
I'm happy to have had the opportunity to get to know CSI under Luca Hezel's leadership and to have found my role. Being part of the core CSI team makes the change in leadership a bit easier for me.
Why should young Christians get involved with JCSI?
Anyone who loves Israel and wants to delve deeper will find JCSI the perfect place. You'll grow biblically, historically, and personally, developing a sound theology of Israel. You'll also experience a strong sense of community with other young people who are passionate about Israel. The involvement is incredibly diverse and exciting: trips to Israel, projects and conferences in Germany, encounters with Israelis, and networking across Germany. It's definitely not your typical volunteer work – partly because you maintain contact largely through online meetings and only meet in person for specific projects. But anyone can join, regardless of where they live in Germany.
What would you say to your former self?
I would say: Definitely go to Israel. And not just for a short time. Even a longer internship would have been good. I used to be very technically minded and thought I had to pursue a career and finish my studies quickly. Now I think: It's better to do an internship before the age of 27.
Furthermore, I would advise my younger self to get involved with JCSI or elsewhere earlier and not just travel to Israel alone. Group tours are great because you gain different perspectives and things are put into a more objective context.
What is your most beautiful memory so far?
One scene I'll never forget is when we sat in the bunker during the aforementioned trip and sang "Our God is an awesome God" together. The fervor with which the participants sang it was incredible. Despite the missiles from Iran… The departure via Egypt was also very formative. Many participants told me afterward how grateful they were for this trip—despite, or perhaps even because of, the circumstances.
I keep noticing this: Yes, as a team at JCSI, we build the framework of our work. We plan the projects and the trips. But what actually happens on the ground is done by the Holy Spirit.
Thank you so much for the conversation!
This article first appeared in our newspaper "Israelaktuell," issue 144. You can order the newspaper here . We would also be happy to send you several copies for distribution.
