Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has released a video message marking the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks of October 7th, a day he described as “a black day in the history books of the Jewish people”. The message, delivered as Germany grapples with a surge in antisemitism, has drawn criticism for its selective focus and apparent omission of the devastating consequences of Israel’s subsequent military actions in Gaza.
The video primarily centers on the suffering of families still mourning the victims of the initial attacks and those holding loved ones hostage. Merz expressed solidarity with these families and reiterated the demand for the immediate release of the captives, emphasizing the profound pain they endure. He also voiced hope for a resumption of the peace process.
However, conspicuously absent from the Chancellor’s remarks is any acknowledgment of the staggering civilian casualties in Gaza – a consequence of Israel’s military response that has unfolded over the past two years. This omission has ignited a debate regarding the CDU’s stance and raises questions about the complexity of addressing the humanitarian crisis while condemning acts of terrorism.
Beyond the immediate aftermath of the October 7th attacks, Chancellor Merz conveyed deep concern over the escalating antisemitism within Germany. He stated that the nation is experiencing “a new wave of antisemitism” manifesting across various platforms, including social media, universities and public spaces. He condemned the rising tide of prejudice and violence, characterizing it as shameful.
Merz called upon all citizens to proactively engage with and support Jewish communities, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating solidarity in the face of rising antisemitism. This appeal, while welcome, has been interpreted by some as a reactive measure, highlighting a lack of preventative strategies to tackle the root causes of prejudice and discrimination within German society. Critics suggest a more robust and comprehensive approach is needed to confront the multifaceted nature of the problem, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on interfaith relations in Germany.