Germany commemorates victims of Hamas attack
Three years after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, Germany is commemorating the victims. Chancellor Merz reaffirms support for Israel.
Berlin (dpa/d.de) – On the third anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, Germany is commemorating the victims with memorial events and a church service. Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor and Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt will speak at the main commemoration in Berlin this afternoon. The Bundestag will debate the protection of Jewish life in Germany. In the evening, the Israeli flag will be projected onto the Brandenburg Gate.
Germany stands firmly by Israel
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed Germany’s support for Israel on the anniversary. “Germany stands firmly by Israel,” Merz said. Germany was committed to Israel’s security and continued existence – this was “a lesson from the Shoah and part of German identity”, he said.
At the same time, the Chancellor warned of rising antisemitism in Germany. The Federal Government would do everything in its power to “consistently combat antisemitism in all its new and old forms”, said the Chancellor, adding that Jewish people had to be able to live in Germany without fear.
On 7 October 2023, Hamas fighters and members of other extremist organisations killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 250 people hostage in the Gaza Strip. The attack triggered the war in the Gaza Strip.
