German chancellor Olaf Scholz said he is outraged by the antisemitic agitation spreading even to Germany as the Israel-Hamas war rages, and warned at the inauguration of a new synagogue that the vow of “never again” must be unbreakable.
Mr Scholz’s remarks come as antisemitic incidents have been rising in Germany following the violent escalation of the war in Gaza.
Assailants threw two Molotov cocktails at a synagogue in Berlin on Wednesday, prompting Mr Scholz to say that attacks on Jewish institutions would never be accepted.
He expanded on his comments at the inauguration of the temple in Dessau, a city in eastern Germany whose synagogue was destroyed by the Nazis 85 years ago.
“I am deeply outraged by the way in which antisemitic hatred and inhuman agitation have been breaking out since that fateful October 7, on the internet, in social media around the world, and shamefully also here in Germany,” Mr Scholz said.
“Here in Germany, of all places. That is why our ‘never again’ must be unbreakable.”
Mr Scholz spoke as he gathered with Jewish leaders at the synagogue. He noted that the community has recently grown as it welcomed people from Ukraine.
“This synagogue here in the middle in Dessau says that Jewish life is and remains a part of Germany. It belongs here,” Mr Scholz said.
“Germany will do everything to protect and strengthen Jewish life.”
Following Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on October 7th and the subsequent war in Gaza, police have increased security for Jewish institutions in Berlin and all over Germany.
Israeli flags that were flown as a sign of solidarity in front of city halls all over the country have been torn down and burnt.
Several buildings in Berlin where Jews live had the star of David painted on doors and walls.
Meanwhile, in Berlin, thousands of people gathered at a demonstration organised to show opposition to antisemitism and support for Israel.
People carried Israeli flags or posters with photos of some of the people reported to be missing or held by Hamas as hostages.
The protest was organised by a broad alliance of various organisations.
German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier told those gathered in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin: “It is unbearable that Jews are living in fear again today – in our country of all places.
“Every single attack on Jews, on Jewish institutions is a disgrace for Germany. Every single attack fills me with shame and anger.”
Mr Steinmeier also called it a “civic duty” to oppose antisemitism in Germany.
