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“Relationship has attained a new level”

 

2015 is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel.

 

Reuven Rivlin, the President of the State of Israel (to be seen on the right in the photograph), and Andreas Michaelis, Germany's ambassador to Israel, joined on October 23, 2014 in inaugurating the year of the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The event took place at the ambassador's residence, which is located in Herzlia, and under the auspices of the festivities commemorating the anniversary of German reunification.

 

In his speech, ambassador Michaelis made the point that the unique relationship between the two countries has attained a new quality.  His remarks also addressed the situation in the Middle East. Michaelis called for a decoupling of the links in the cycle of violence. The ambassador emphasized that Israel needs stability and peace. Germany has committed itself to helping Israel achieve these. The political realities prevailing in the region are capable of being recast. In Michaelis' words: “The situation is growing more and more difficult. This should not, however, occasion the refraining from diplomacy. Quite the converse. It is at this point in time that we have to redouble our efforts,” stated the ambassador. His speech focused on the fall of the Berlin Wall 25 years ago. This event led to German reunification and facilitated the forging of the European Union. The fall of the Wall shows that major hurdles can be overcome, and that successes can be achieved.

 

The speech given by President  Rivlin  of Israel also referred to the fall of the Berlin Wall twenty five years ago. As he noted, the reunification of Germany was a key event in its history and of that of the free world. Today, Germany and Israel maintain excellent relations. These constitute a friendship. This was not always the case. In this regard, Rivlin mentioned his own personal history. In his student days,, Rivlin had participated in demonstrations against the initial posting by Germany of an ambassador to Israel. The ambassador was Rolf Friedemann, a former Wehrmacht officer. That was nearly 50 years. A half century later, he (Rivlin) finds himself speaking in his capacity of being the President of the State of Israel at the home of German ambassador to Israel. The occasion is the annual celebration of the unification of Germany. Rivlin concluded his remarks with “God bless Germany”

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Read the speech of President Rivlin

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Dear ladies and gentlemen,

This is the archived content of official bilateral website that was founded by the German and Israeli government on the occasion of the Jubilee Year 2015. This website contains the articles of the bilateral website, but will be static and will not be maintained. It serves as documentation of the multi-faceted cooperation between Germany and Israel We hope you enjoy exploring 50 years of German-Israeli relations!

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