Joining forces to strengthen relations

 

Germany’s Federal President Gauck visits Israeli embassy to mark the start of the anniversary year 2015.

 

Ambassador Yakov Hadas-Handelsman hosted a Hanukkah reception at his residence in Berlin’s Schmargendorf district on the afternoon of 18 December. Germany’s Federal President and his spouse Ms Daniela Schadt were among the guests of honour. Following the Ambassador’s traditional blessing, Federal President Gauck lit the first two Hanukkah candles. The reception also marked the official beginning of the major jubilee year of 2015, which looks back on 50 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and Germany.

President Gauck commented as follows in his keynote address: “In this jubilee year, and as part of which Israel’s President Rivlin will be coming on a state visit to Germany next May, we will most definitely take a look back. Yet far more importantly, we shall be looking ahead, joining forces in our efforts to strengthen the special and amicable relations between our two nations even further. Germany will always stand by Israel. And incidentally, it is in particular during hard times that friendship really proves its worth.”

 

Ambassador Hadas-Handelsman likewise drew attention to the deep and close bond betweem the two countries. With a view to the upcoming festivities in 2015 and the many accompanying events he said: “In the coming year we will be looking back in what we have achieved together, while also making sure that we open up new perspectives for the future. A great many challenges await us – as do countless opportunities. We shall always keep a careful eye on protecting the unique character of our relations also in the future. That is what’s important – for Israel and for Germany.”

Children from the choir of Heinz Galinski primary school performed several musical pieces at the reception.

Numerous representatives from the worlds of politics, culture and the media as well as countless members of the Jewish community attended the event.