Germany stands 'firmly' on Israel's side, Oct. 7 must never be repeated, says Chancellor Merz

Germany stands for the “security and existence of Israel,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Wednesday, adding that this support is “a lesson of the Shoah and part of German identity.”

Speaking on the third anniversary of the October 7 attack, Merz said, “Germany stands firmly at Israel’s side.”

“Our Israeli friends can count on our efforts to ensure that such a crime is never repeated. And we will stand up to those who relativize or even question Israel’s right to exist. Not only on October 7, but every day.”

He, however, stressed that Germany is dedicated to helping lay the foundations for a “new order” in which Israelis, Palestinians, and their neighbors can live in peace and security. He added that, in Germany’s view, the best way to achieve this goal is through the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Merz also acknowledged increasing antisemitism in Germany and promised the nation’s Jewish population that the Federal Government will do “everything in its power” to combat antisemitism consistently, in all its new and old forms.

'Jews must be able to live throughout Germany without fear'

“Jews must be able to live throughout Germany without fear,” he said. “Jewish life must continue to flourish in our society.”

To commemorate October 7, Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner had the Brandenburg Gate lit up in the colors of the Israeli flag. Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor said this was “an important gesture to all Jews who must hide their identity every day on Berlin’s streets.”

“The Israel-haters have not succeeded in driving a wedge between us. We know exactly who stood by our side in these three years because true friendship is only revealed in difficult times,” Prosor said.