Israel's outgoing ambassador to Germany reflects on 4 of the country's most dramatic years since World War II

BERLIN (JTA) — Growing up in London had its ups and downs for Jeremy Issacharoff, Israel’s outgoing ambassador to Germany.

On one hand, as a schoolboy he was beaten up by skinheads and called a “dirty Jew.” On the other hand, he had long, civilized discussions with Arab and Palestinian classmates at the London School of Economics. Such experiences prepared him for his life as a diplomat: With some people you talk. With others, never.

Issacharoff, 67, recently reflected on his 40 years in the Israeli foreign service, days before leaving Germany, where he has served since May 2017. These have be...