German chancellor marks Oct 7 with vow to fight antisemitism

On the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to combat antisemitism in Germany while advocating for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Merz condemned his opponents in the far-left Die Linke, who have faced criticism for their ties to pro-Palestinian activists.

He emphasized that Jewish people must be able to live without fear throughout Germany, and urged the Greens and the centre-left Social Democrats to distance themselves from Die Linke to uphold the non-negotiable principles of their society. The chancellor referenced the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack, the deadliest day in Israel's history, which resulted in 1,221 deaths.

In response to the surge in antisemitic incidents across Germany, Merz pledged his government's unwavering support for Israel, emphasizing the importance of ensuring such a crime never occurs again. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian demonstrators, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, held a march in Berlin, accusing German authorities of supposed inaction. Police intervened, confiscating placards and dispersing the crowd.