Third anniversary of October 7th: Federal government commits to the fight against anti-Semitism

On the third anniversary of the attack on Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas on October 7, 2023, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) reaffirmed the government's continued commitment to combat anti-Semitism. "The federal government will do everything in its power to consistently combat anti-Semitism in all its new and old forms," ​​said Merz. »Jews throughout Germany must be able to live without fear. Jewish life must be able to continue to develop in our society.«

The federal government is therefore taking action “with all determination” against anti-Semitic incidents and attacks, said Merz. She also “counters those who relativize or even question Israel’s right to exist. Not just on October 7th, but every day."

Standing up for Israel's existence is part of German identity

On the third anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack, "our thoughts are with the victims and their survivors, the survivors and the former hostages," said the Chancellor. "And we hope that the deep pain and wounds that this day caused by these monstrous, barbaric acts can heal."

"Germany stands firmly on Israel's side," said Merz. "We stand up for the security and existence of Israel - that is a lesson from the Shoah and part of German identity."

It must now be a matter of "laying the foundations of a new order in which Israelis, Palestinians and their neighbors can live in peace and security." The federal government is committed to this. The best way to achieve this goal “is to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel,” said Merz.

Foreign Minister criticizes increase in anti-Semitism

Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) has also warned of an increase in anti-Semitism in Germany. »On this day I am also painfully aware that we have witnessed a horrific rise in anti-Semitism since then. Even in our country,” Wadephul said in an Instagram video.

The federal government and he personally opposed this anti-Semitism “with determination,” Wadephul continued. Anti-Semitism is an attack on “our community,” he continued. "Everyone remains called upon to work for the cohesion of our country as a whole." Therefore, it remains "our common task to ensure that Jewish life in our country is safe everywhere and taken for granted everywhere," said the Federal Foreign Minister.