Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Henning Schacht
Sixty years ago, the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Israel established diplomatic relations – a turning point in the history of both countries. The Konrad Adenauer Foundation used this occasion to highlight the special bilateral relationship. The focus was not so much on looking back, but rather on inspiring young people in Germany about the importance of this longstanding and proven friendship – to keep it alive and to continue developing it.
With reference to the ceasefire in the war against the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the release of the remaining Israeli hostages, and the initiated peace negotiations, the Foundation's Chairman, Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert, stated: "Our event today is taking place unexpectedly in close temporal connection with developments in Israel and the Middle East, about which we can only hope that the expectations they carry will indeed be fulfilled." He emphasized that "Germany will be a reliable partner for Israel – especially now in the upcoming phase of securing peace and establishing sustainable, bearable, and peaceful conditions for all," and stressed, "that the Konrad Adenauer Foundation feels especially committed to this task."
Jürgen Hardt, Member of Parliament and foreign policy spokesperson of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, echoed this sentiment and emphasized that the peace efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump were like a plant “watered and protected by many – and “not only supported by Israel, by America, by Israel’s friends in Europe, but also by the Arab world.”
Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor offered critical remarks about the stance of some European countries toward Israel. In this context, he addressed the many young attendees directly, calling them the “foundation of the strong bond between Germany and Israel.”
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, who spoke about her German roots – her grandparents were from Germany and had to flee due to the Shoah – stated that German-Israeli relations could never be “normal,” because they would always be shaped by the memory of the worst crimes in human history and the moral responsibility this entails for Germany. She emphasized that the bilateral relationship “has developed into a deep and enduring friendship based on shared values: democracy, freedom, compassion, and respect.” At the same time, she stressed: “Our task today is to maintain and strengthen this dialogue between our two countries, especially among the younger generation.”
Minister of State Florian Hahn called it a gift to be able to say, 60 years after the establishment of formal relations: “These are not just diplomatic relations – this is true friendship.” Referring to the premature recognition of a Palestinian state by some European governments, he made it clear: “Now is not the time for that – only once certain conditions are met that allow two peoples to live side by side in peace.”
In the subsequent panel discussion, Israeli Knesset member and chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Boaz Bismuth, German MP Johannes Volkmann (member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Bundestag), and Dr. Felix Klein, Federal Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism, participated. The discussion was moderated by journalist Constantin Schreiber.
Volkmann stated during the discussion that Israel has no closer friend in Europe than Germany: “And we, as the Young Union and as Christian Democrats, are proud of that, because it is at the core of who we are.” He affirmed: “Now is the time for us to say stop and confront antisemitism directly.” Felix Klein agreed and stressed that Germany must place greater emphasis on preventive work: “In education, we urgently need new initiatives and the courage to engage with this issue.” Knesset member Bismuth advised all friends of Israel: “Never apologize for supporting Israel. The moment you apologize, you empower those who don’t like us.”
In his closing remarks, Johannes Winkel, MP and Chairman of the Young Union, emphasized: “We show solidarity with Israel because we share the same values.” He concluded with a promise: “I’m proud to say that we have been friends for decades – we, the Young Union of Germany and Israel. We are friends and we will remain friends.”
Over the past 60 years, Germany and Israel have shown that a painful past can lead to a resilient and respectful partnership. Now, it is also up to the younger generation to carry this legacy forward.
