Middle East war
Countries express solidarity with Israel in the Federal Council
Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor (l) in conversation with Hamburg’s First Mayor Peter Tschentscher. photo
© Christoph Soeder/dpa
“We stand firmly on Israel’s side” – “Anti-Semitism must not and will not find a place in our country”: The adoption in the state chamber was unanimous.
The Federal Council has Israel expressed full solidarity after the attack by the Islamist Hamas and at the same time called for tougher action against anti-Semitism in Germany.
The state chamber unanimously passed a resolution submitted by all federal states condemning the attacks as an “act of barbarism and terror.” “Israel’s security is German reasons of state,” it says. The Israeli ambassador to Berlin, Ron Prosor, also took part in the meeting.
Hamas is not the only one behind the attacks on Israel, said Federal Council President Peter Tschentscher (SPD). There are other radical forces and organizations that fundamentally question Israel’s right to exist and fight the Israeli state. “On this fundamental issue, Germany stands firmly on Israel’s side. This message is important to us, both externally and internally.”
Hamburg’s head of government emphasized: “This includes the obligation of the federal and state governments to prevent Islamist activities in Germany, to resolutely counter anti-Semitism and to protect and promote Jewish life in Germany.”
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD), who will replace her Hamburg colleague at the head of the Federal Council on November 1st, emphasized: “Anti-Semitism as an attitude is and remains dangerous and is also a threat to free, democratic coexistence. And that is why it must One thing should be clear: we will not let up in the fight against anti-Semitism and contempt for humanity.”
In view of the increase in anti-Semitic attacks, Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff (CDU) also emphasized Germany’s responsibility. German democracy must prove its ability to defend itself. “We stand firmly on Israel’s side. Anti-Semitism must not and will not find a place in our country.”
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) welcomed the ban on Hamas activities decided by the federal government. He also called for a more consistent approach to anti-Israel demonstrations. “We do not accept when hatred, violence and terror are celebrated on our streets. Hatred of Israel, hatred of Jews, anti-Semitism has no place in our country.”