Israel-German relations have been turned on their head. The worst enemy of the Jewish people since the biblical archetype of evil, Amalek, has become Israel’s best friend in Europe. Yet, all is not calm.
Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul says, “it shames me to the depths of my soul” — the “it” being what German Jews are saying — “I no longer feel safe in Germany” — and what Germany Jews are doing — warning their children not to speak Hebrew in public.
Yes, Germany has paid billions in reparations to Holocaust survivors and to Israel. Yes, Germany today sell arms for military defense to Israel (though it briefly suspended deliveries last year). Yes, Israel sells Arrow 3 anti-missile defense systems to Germany to protect German lives. But no, none of this can cover up the frightening growth of anti-Semitism in the origin of the Holocaust.
We quote from an interview that Wadephul gave to Israel Hayom.
Germany is forgetting the Holocaust. Many young Germans have never heard of it — or have heard of it too much (in their view) and want to stop hearing about it.
“We need to work every day anew to keep the memory alive,” says Minister Johann Wadephul.
Auschwitz embodies the monstrous crime of the Shoah, a crime planned and carried out by Germans on orders given in German. It is our responsibility — and also my responsibility as foreign minister — to uphold the memory of this immeasurable injustice.
“It forms the basis of a central lesson of our past — our commitment to Israel’s existence and security. This is an unchangeable core principle in our relations with Israel.”
In Germany, of all places, its foreign minister says: “Jews are a natural and integral part of our society — and I want them to be able to feel that this is so without any reservation.”
© IJN 2026
