Israel Criticism Frequently Serves as a Cover for Antisemitism, According to Merz - Criticism towards Israel frequently serves as a cover for antisemitic sentiment
In a poignant speech at a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Central Council of Jews in Berlin, Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his deep concern over the rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Germany. Merz praised the role and contribution of the Central Council of Jews, stating that without the Jewish women and men in Germany, there can be no good future for the Federal Republic. He emphasized that the Federal Republic would have been forever uprooted without Jewish life and Jewish culture in the country. The Chancellor condemned 'Israel criticism' used as a pretext for anti-Semitism and expressed his horror and shame at the recent increase in anti-Semitism in Germany. He stated that Germany harms its own soul when criticism of Israel becomes a pretext for anti-Semitism or leads to demands for the Federal Republic to distance itself from Israel. Merz emphasized the importance of civil courage in addressing anti-Semitism, racism, and discrimination. He promised that his government would continue to work towards a common language and finding common ground 'today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow.' The Chancellor made it clear that criticism of the Israeli government is possible, as he himself has recently expressed such criticism. However, he stressed that such criticism must never be used as a cover for anti-Semitic sentiments. Merz's government's focus includes the fight against Anti-Semitism and Hate. He called upon the people in Germany to stand up for coexistence in freedom and to keep the conversation going. The Central Council of Jews, founded in Frankfurt am Main in 1950, five years after the Holocaust, plays a crucial role in promoting Jewish life and culture in Germany and combating anti-Semitism. Merz expressed his gratitude for their work and reiterated his commitment to strengthening the ties between the Jewish community and the German government. Since the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, anti-Semitic incidents such as defacement and threats against Israeli restaurants, places of Jewish life, and Jewish remembrance have become louder, more open, and more violent. Merz called upon all Germans to stand together against these hate crimes and to ensure a future free from anti-Semitism. In conclusion, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's speech at the Central Council of Jews' 75th anniversary celebration underscored the importance of combating anti-Semitism and strengthening ties with the Jewish community in Germany. His government's focus on this issue is a testament to its commitment to fostering a society free from hate and discrimination.
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