German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: "I Declare War on Antisemitism"

SadaNews - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appeared wearing a hat on his head and tears in his eyes during the reopening of the Jewish synagogue in Munich, where he delivered an impassioned speech expressing his deep concern over the rise of antisemitism in Germany, asserting that "Jewish life should be practiced without security protection."

Merz stated, as translated by SadaNews: "We should not get used to seeing police in front of synagogues, Jewish schools, and cafes as something normal. I declare war on all forms of antisemitism, and it cannot be classified under artistic or cultural freedom or any other area."

The German Chancellor added that antisemitism has never disappeared from the Federal Republic of Germany, pointing out that an entire generation of Jews in the country has grown up under strict security measures, without knowing what normal public life looks like. He continued: "I, like many in Germany, wanted to believe that things would improve... but October 7, 2023 changed everything."

Referring to the attack that took place on that day, Merz described what happened as "the largest mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust," emphasizing that some German streets celebrated this, revealing a deep flaw in society and German policies concerning this issue.

Merz expressed his deep shame, not only as a Chancellor but as a German citizen who grew up under the motto "Never Again," considering that this motto must turn into an actual commitment. He said: "It is our collective duty to ensure that Jews in Germany can live, study, and celebrate without fear, and that a Jewish generation can express its identity proudly anywhere and anytime."