German politicians warn of antisemitism on October 7 anniversary
Leading German politicians including Chancellor Merz and President Steinmeier called for people to reject antisemitism.
German politicians commemorated the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, emphasizing the need to combat rising antisemitism in the country. Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians and assured Jewish people they would be able to live without fear in Germany. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed that antisemitism had flared up intolerably since October 7, and Germany must continue to stand up against it while supporting Israel's security and the Palestinians' dignity and self-determination.
Federal Parliamentary Speaker Julia Klöckner urged further political action to fight antisemitism, stating it should not be tolerated in streets or political debates. The attacks, carried out by Palestinian militant group Hamas and its affiliates, resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 kidnappings in Gaza. Over 74,000 people have been killed in Israel's subsequent war.
Demonstrations took place across Germany for both victims, with a crowd of about 1,700 people gathering at Berlin's Bebelplatz, a site of Nazi book burnings in 1933. Germany has backed Israel throughout the war, though Chancellor Merz paused military equipment deliveries following legal concerns and arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli leaders.
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