Germany is the role model

 

On November 16, 2014, Avi Primor spoke in the plenary chamber of the Reichstag. The occasion was Germany's National Day of Remembrance.

Avi Primor is the former ambassador of Israel to Germany. On November 16, 2014, Primor spoke in the plenary chamber of the Reichstag, Germany's parliament.  The occasion was Germany's National Day of Remembrance.

 

In his speech, Primor lauded Germany's culture of commemoration. “The Germans have become role models in the areas of commemoration and in conscience-driven research of the past,” stated Primor. According to him, Germany is the only country creating memorials designed to remind it of its shameful acts and of the crimes comprising them. “I am willing to stand with a country such as today's Germany in grieving for the past – and in sharing the responsibility for the configuration of the future,” he stated.

 

Joachim Gauck is Germany's president. Also given in Berlin and at the National Day of Remembrance, his speech also considered the plight of victims of warfare and of other forms of violence. His speech encompassed today's victims, and took a look at the civil wars, terrorism and persecution faced by them. “We are responsible for attaining peace for humanity. This applies to those living in Germany – and in the entire world,” stated Gauck. The president stressed that this commemoration should extend to those victims in Germany of hate and of violence exercised against foreigners and those unable to defend themselves.