At the commencement of the Hanukkah Festival of Lights, German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocated for solidarity and empathy towards Jews in Germany. In Berlin on Thursday, Scholz, an SPD politician, noted, "This is crucial nowadays." Lighting the first candle on a towering Hanukkah menorah at the Brandenburg Gate, Scholz underscored the significance of its placement in the capitals heart, symbolizing "hope, faith and trust."
Scholz reminisced on the Hamas terror attack on Israel in October and recounted reports of anti-Semitic incidents in Germany. He expressed disapproval, stressing, "We do not tolerate it when Jewish citizens feel compelled to conceal their religion, culture and daily lives out of fear."
Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, the event's host, commended Germany and Chancellor Scholz, likening the nation to a beacon of democracy. In Teichtal's words, "The message of Hanukkah is 'light over darkness,' 'democracy over tyranny.'" He encouraged "more light, joy and Jewish awareness."
Rising anti-Semitic incidents in Germany have left hundreds of Jews feeling anxious. Strict security precautions were deployed during the ceremony, and Pariser Platz was sealed off extensively. Hanukkah honors the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following a rebellion against the Greeks in 164 BC, perpetuating the "miracle of light" of a candelabrum burning for eight days.
Insights
Historically, the Hanukkah festival has significance in Germany. Communal gatherings like this help remind both Jews and non-Jews of the importance of religious freedom, democracy and unity, serving as a bastion against escalating anti-Semitic incidents in the country.
Recent anti-Semitic incidents in Germany include firebombings, assaults, incendiary device attacks, stolen memorial plaques, and a surge in anti-Semitic incidents, with over 1,300 reported in Berlin alone during the first half of 2024. Despite this, German parliament passed a motion demanding action to combat antisemitism and introduced legislation to sanction organizations that spread antisemitic propaganda or promote BDS.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has vocally condemned these incidents, emphasizing the importance of solidarity with the Jewish community. He stressed, "Never again must antisemitic hatred become unchallenged in Germany."
