Friedrich Merz spoke about ‘rising antisemitism’ in Germany in a speech he delivered on October 7th, the anniversary of the 2023 attack which was the deadliest day in Israel’s history.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz marked the third anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel by vowing to fight antisemitism in Germany while pressing for a two-state solution in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Allegations of antisemitism have been a prominent part of public debate in Germany, involving both far-right and far-left parties.
“We are witnessing rising antisemitism in Germany – antisemitism that far too often goes unchallenged,” Merz said, adding that his government “will do everything in its power to resolutely combat antisemitism in all its forms, both new and old”.
“Jewish people must be able to live without fear throughout Germany,” the chancellor said in the statement on Wednesday marking the anniversary of the attacks on October 7, 2023.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has made major inroads in recent state elections, has been accused of ties to neo-Nazi circles.
The far-left Die Linke has come under repeated attack over its links to pro-Palestinian activists.
Having emerged victorious in Berlin’s regional elections in late September, it is trying to forge a left-wing coalition government.
READ ALSO: Why is the Left Party in Berlin being accused of antisemitism?
“Germany stands firmly by Israel’s side. Our Israeli friends can count on our commitment to ensuring that such a crime never happens again,” Merz said.
The unprecedented Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, marked the deadliest day in Israel’s history, with 1,221 people killed.
The Israeli retaliatory offensive has led to the deaths of more than 74,000 people in the Gaza Strip. There have also been bloody clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Since the attack, German authorities and advocacy groups have reported a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across the country.
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