Chancellor Merkel Pledges Solidarity with Germany's Jews After Recent Attacks
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday that Germany would use all means to fight anti- Semitism. Merkel's pledge comes in the wake of a rise in violence against the Jews stirred by the conflict in Gaza.
The Chancellor made the promise at a rally organized by the central council of Jews in Germany at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate to protest against the anti- Semitism witnessed in Berlin, Paris and London.
"That people in Germany are threatened and abused because of their appearance or their support for Israel is an outrageous scandal that we won't accept," Merkel said. "It's our national and civic duty to fight anti-Semitism."
"Anyone who hits someone wearing a skullcap is hitting us all. Anyone who damages a Jewish gravestone is disgracing our culture. Anyone who attacks a synagogue is attacking the foundations of our free society," she added, reports The Independent.
The Chancellor said that she felt deep gratitude to know that more than 100,000 Jews were living in Germany. Elaborating further, Merkel said that Jewish life was part of the German identity and culture. She is pained when Jewish parents ask her if it is safe to bring up their children in Germany or when old people inquire if it is correct to stay in Germany, she said.
Thousands of Jews from across the country came to Berlin to participate in the rally organized to protest against the anti- Semitism and also to show solidarity with Israel.
Hedva Lüttge , a teacher from Israel , who was staying in Germany for the past 20 years said that four pro-Palestinian supporters shouted at her and her friends when she was going to the rally. They shouted till the police intervened, she said, reports The New York Times.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Defamation League articulated its deep gratitude to Merkel for attending the rally. The League also termed Merkel's gesture as a key element in Germany's reaction to the anti-Semitic episodes that happened during the summer.
