German council of Jews urges Berlin to support Israel unconditionally

The Central Council of Jews in Germany has called on the government to continue to support Israel unconditionally, as it marked 75 years since its foundation on Wednesday.

Council president Josef Schuster called on Chancellor Friedrich Merz not to be "dissuaded from this path" – neither by other European countries nor by "invididual lawmakers."

"Germany must stand clearly on the side of Israel," he demanded, according to a speech released prior to a ceremony in Berlin.

Germany has been one of Israel's most important backers in the wake of the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.

While the Merz administration, which took office in May, has in part been more vocal than the previous government in its criticism of Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip, Berlin continues to oppose EU sanctions on Israel over the attacks on the Palestinian territory.

Schuster admitted that not all decisions taken by the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were understandable, with Jews based outside Israel opposing statements made by some members of his Cabinet.

However, Germany must stand up for Israel's security, regardless of who is head of government, he demanded.

Founded in Frankfurt five years after the end of World War II, the Central Council of Jews in Germany considers itself the political, social and religious representative of the Jewish community in Germany.

Schuster said the fact that the council was founded shortly after the Holocaust was a symbol of the survival and renewal of Jewish life in Germany.