German Leaders Condemn Rising Antisemitism Ahead of October 7 Anniversary

Senior German officials, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, have issued stark warnings regarding the surge in antisemitism across the nation as the country marks the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel.

In a statement, Chancellor Merz emphasized that his government is committed to combating hatred in all its forms. “We are witnessing rising antisemitism in Germany — antisemitism that far too often goes unchallenged,” Merz said. He pledged that Jewish citizens must be able to live without fear throughout the country and reaffirmed Germany’s unwavering support for Israel’s security, stating, “Our Israeli friends can count on our commitment to ensuring that such a crime never happens again.” Merz also called for a two-state solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

President Steinmeier described the rise in antisemitic sentiment since October 7 as having “flared up in an intolerable manner.” In his remarks, Steinmeier stressed that Germany must continue to oppose antisemitism while also supporting Israel’s right to security, the dignity and self-determination of Palestinians, and the goal of peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.

Julia Klöckner, the Federal Parliamentary Speaker, echoed these sentiments, calling for stronger political measures to root out hate. “Antisemitism should not be allowed to have a place on our streets or our political debates,” she said.

Memorial events took place in cities across Germany. In Berlin, approximately 1,700 people gathered at Bebelplatz, many waving Israeli flags, according to police estimates. The location holds historical significance as the site of the Nazi book burnings in 1933. Attendees included Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor and German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt.

The October 7 attacks, carried out by Hamas and affiliated militant groups, resulted in the deaths of roughly 1,200 people and saw 251 individuals taken hostage to Gaza, marking the deadliest assault on Jews since the Holocaust. The subsequent war in Gaza has led to the deaths of more than 74,000 people, a figure that has drawn accusations of genocide from various countries and human rights organizations.

Germany has maintained strong support for Israel throughout the conflict, although Merz recently suspended certain military equipment exports to the nation due to legal concerns raised by International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Despite Germany’s obligations under the ICC treaty, Merz has vowed not to arrest Netanyahu if he travels to German soil.