Merz condemns surge of antisemitism in Germany on Hamas attack anniversary

On the second anniversary of the Hamas assault on Israel, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed deep shame over the level of antisemitism prevailing in Germany.

As reported by Caliber.Az, Merz made the remarks in a video message shared on the social network X.

“Today, I look with concern at Germany, which has witnessed a new wave of antisemitism since October 7, 2023,” Merz said.

Antisemitism in Germany is shameful. Now and always.

Let’s stand with the Jewish people of our country — today, on the two-year mark of Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel, and on each and every other day. pic.twitter.com/biQWbzwcFn

— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) October 7, 2025

He emphasised that anti-Semitism is appearing in both traditional and modern forms: “It manifests itself on social media, in universities, on our streets—louder and louder, more defiant, and increasingly in the form of violence,” the chancellor noted.

Merz added that he feels a personal and national responsibility to confront this issue. “I am ashamed as a federal chancellor, as a German, as a member of the post-war generation that grew up with the promise of ‘Never Again’. Today, I want to make a plea to everyone in the country: approach our Jewish citizens today, approach them tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, wherever you can. Come to the Jewish communities, let's show everyone that we are on their side and that together we will do everything so that Jews here in Germany can live without fear, can live with confidence,” he said.

The remarks coincided with the solemn remembrance of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on southern Israel, one of the deadliest days in the nation’s history. The coordinated assault resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, including civilians, soldiers, and foreign nationals, and the abduction of 251 hostages. Many were seized during a brutal incursion into southern Israel, including an attack on the Nova music festival.

The offensive began with thousands of rockets fired into Israel, followed by ground incursions in which Hamas fighters breached borders and struck military installations and civilian settlements. The violence forced widespread displacement, with many residents fleeing the affected areas.

Israel launched a military response in the aftermath, causing significant casualties on both sides.

On October 7, 2025, Israel marked the second anniversary of the attacks with memorials in southern kibbutzim and a major rally in Tel Aviv advocating for the release of hostages still held in Gaza. The commemoration coincided with ongoing negotiations in Egypt between Israel and Hamas aimed at securing the release of remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a potential Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.

By Tamilla Hasanova