Antisemitism in Berlin
Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin has received a phone call from President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, during which President Steinmeier conveyed to President Rivlin his sincere condemnation of what he noted were deeply distressing expressions of antisemitism witnessed during a wave of anti-Israel activities in Berlin over the last week.
President Reuven Rivlin
Of note, during demonstrations against President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Israeli flags were burned and witnesses reported hearing antisemitic chants and calls in both Arabic and German, including shouts of “Death to the Jews.”
President Steinmeier told the President that such acts of hatred and racism had no place in Germany, and condemned them outright. He explained to the President the ongoing activity by the German authorities and security forces to combat racism, and prosecute the perpetrators.
President Rivlin thanked President Steinmeier for his call, and expressed his deep appreciation for his personal friendship to Israel and the Jewish community. He thanked him for Germany’s steadfast support for Israel, and continued stand against the rise in antisemitism and all forms of hatred. He noted that this was a threat to all society, and assured him that Israel stood with Germany in the fight against hatred and racism.
The two Presidents concluded by exchanging their best wishes for the holiday season, and hopes that the coming year would bring peace and understanding between all peoples. President Rivlin thanked President Steinmeier in particular for his planned participation in events to celebrate Chanukah with representatives of the German Jewish community.
