Merz fights back tears at reopening of synagogue in Munich

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was very moved at the reopening of a restored synagogue in Munich on Monday, appearing to be fighting back tears, his voice breaking during his speech in which he recalled the inhumane crimes committed against Jews by the Nazis.

Merz said he was appalled that anti-Semitism had flared up again in Germany. "I would like to tell you how ashamed I am of this: as chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, but also as a German, as a child of the post-war generation, as a child who grew up with 'never again' as a mission, as a duty, as a promise," Merz explained.

"In politics and society, we have turned a blind eye for too long to the fact that a considerable number of the people who have come to Germany in recent decades were socialized in countries of origin where anti-Semitism is virtually state doctrine, where hatred of Israel is taught even to children," Merz said.

Merz said that he hopes "that Jewish life in Germany will one day get by without police protection again."

"We must not get used to the fact that this has apparently been necessary for decades," Merz said. "I therefore declare war on all forms of old and new anti-Semitism in Germany on behalf of the entire federal government of the Federal Republic of Germany."