Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) emphasizes Germany's support for Israel on the anniversary of the attack by the terrorist group Hamas on October 7, 2023. "Germany stands firmly on Israel's side. Our Israeli friends can count on our commitment to ensure that such a crime never occurs again," said the Chancellor. “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 a foundation for a new order in which Israelis, Palestinians and their neighbors can live in peace and security. “We are convinced that this goal can best be achieved through the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel,” said Merz.
See F.A.Z. articles more often in your search results
F.A.Z. prefer on Google
The Chancellor also spoke about anti-Semitism in Germany. "In Germany today we are experiencing increasing anti-Semitism, which far too often goes unchallenged. The federal government will do everything in its power to consistently combat anti-Semitism in all its new and old forms." Jews throughout Germany should be able to live without fear. "And we oppose those who relativize or even question Israel's right to exist. Not just on October 7th, but every day," said Merz.
Merz: Hope that the pain can heal
On the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks, thoughts go out to the victims and their relatives, the survivors and the former hostages. “And we hope that the deep pain and wounds that this day inflicted by these monstrous, barbaric acts can heal.”
On October 7, 2023, fighters from Hamas and other extremist organizations killed around 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped more than 250 others as hostages to Gaza. The attack sparked the Gaza War.
Wadephul: There is still a shameful amount to be done against anti-Semitism
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Instagram that on that day Hamas committed the “largest mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust.” For many Jews, October 7th divides the time into a “before” and an “after”. “This day was the beginning of an almost endless martyrdom for hundreds of hostages and their families,” said the CDU politician.
Wadephul emphasized that he was also painfully aware that there was a “horrific increase in anti-Semitism,” including in Germany. This federal government, he says, is resolutely opposing this. But it is also the task not only of politics, but of the community, to ensure that Jewish life is safe and natural everywhere. “Yes, it is shameful how much still remains to be done here. In Germany and worldwide,” stated Wadephul.
The Hamas terrorist attack on Israel three years ago is being remembered today with commemorative events and a church service in Berlin, but also in other German cities. Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor and Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) will speak at the central commemoration in the afternoon (3 p.m.). In the afternoon, the Bundestag will debate the protection of Jewish life in Germany. To mark the third anniversary, the Israeli flag will be projected onto the Brandenburg Gate from evening until midnight.
