On October 23th, 2014, the German ambassador to Israel, Mr. Andreas Michaelis and his wife Mrs. Heike Michaelis, offered a reception at their residence in Hertzlia Pituach to celebrate the German Day of Unity as well as 50 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel.
The German Ambassador, Mr. H.E. Andreas Michaelis, welcomed the honorable guest President of the State of Israel, Mr. Reuven Rivlin, amongst members of different diplomatic missions in Israel and other distinguished guests.
Wording of the speech gave by the Ambassador Michaelis:
"The National Day of Germany commemorates Germany's reunification. This year, it has been 25 years since the fall of the wall.
I find it difficult to believe that 25 years have already passed since this historic date. Like many Germans I can vividly remember the scenes of joy which marked the days when freedom became a reality for us. It feels like it happened yesterday."
Referring to the State of Israel : " Israel needs a stable and peaceful environment. It is totally unacceptable that this country has repeatedly become the victim of rocket and terror attacks. We should not witness another Gaza War or new confrontations on Israel's borders. We have to break this cycle of violence.
Germany has pledged to do its part to ensure that Israel will be able to live in peace and security. This is and remains one of the central pillars of German policy. The events that led to the reunification of Germany and Europe show us that we can succeed even when faced with the greatest obstacles – and again, we see in the Middle East of today a different political reality than in Europe. However, obstacles can be overcome if we act together, show courage and seize the moment. An increasingly difficult environment in the Middle East is not a reason to shy away from diplomacy. On the contrary, it is a reason to double our efforts."
"Israel and Germany are two countries that have become very close partners today. We cooperate in a wide range of fields – in science and culture, business and technology as well as in security and diplomacy. Many Israelis and Germans developed strong personal ties through this cooperation, through city twinning and youth exchanges. Many friendships developed. We will soon look back on 50 years of diplomatic relations between our two states.
Has there ever been a more impossible relationship between two countries? At the beginning it was not at all clear that there could ever be a formal relationship between the young Jewish state and the nation which - at the lowest point of its history - had attempted to eradicate all Jewish life and murdered 6 million Jews. At the beginning there was so much pain and suffering. And let us not get this wrong, there still is today. The memory of the Holocaust and its deep scars are not washed away by history. Only if we fully comprehend and respect this dimension of our relationship, will we succeed in further developing it. What I experience as real friendship and trust between us today would not exist if we had not travelled the long and difficult path of serious and sometimes painful dialogue between our countries and people."
The bilateral relationship between Israel and Germany has reached an unprecedented quality. And we will continue to further broaden and deepen it in the years to come. This is why our two governments together with a vast range of members of our civil societies have agreed to use the coming year to put a special focus on cooperation in all relevant sectors of our relationship. In the course of next year we will experience a large array of events and projects, both, in Germany and Israel – ranging from classical music to Jazz, from cinema, theatre and contemporary dance to literature and art exhibitions. In short: we will celebrate. But we will also engage in programmes and projects which focus on the political realities in our two countries. Furthermore, in important sectors like, for instance, science and business we will try to push for new forms of cooperation. In short: We will not just look back on 50 years, we will look ahead at the next 50 years."
"Today, we will launch a joint website with an event calendar. It will provide all relevant information :
The ambassador also informed about more than a hundred events and encounters that were organized to celebrate the 50 years of bilateral relations (www.il50de.org). The German Foreign Office, the Goethe Institute and the Robert Bosch Foundation gave their support to the complexion of the events.
A German-Israeli common logo was launched a few months ago to signalize 50 years of renewed diplomatic relations between our countries.
In his speech, President Rivlin said : "Germany is acting to support Israel's ability to protect itself, and its leaders understand that terror organizations cannot run the world. They understand the problems which arise when a state must stand up and fight against terror organizations."
"This day celebrates new beginnings. It is a day that has meaning for all people who seek to find common ground where there is division. This day is about the will of people to break down barriers, and learn to live side by side, not divided by walls, neither physical nor virtual.
"We have learned from history and at a terrible price. It is important we continue to teach this lesson, educating about the Holocaust, and the dangers of racism and anti-Semitism. In West Germany, in East Germany, in a united Germany, in Europe, and all over.
The president emphasize the excellent relationship and friendship between our two countries. " You are great supporters of the efforts to find confidence building measures between the peoples of the Middle East."
"Germany is acting to support Israel's ability to protect itself, and its leaders understand that terror organizations cannot run the world. They understand the problems which arise when a state must stand up and fight against terror organizations."
"Israel needs a stable and peaceful environment. It is totally unacceptable that this country has repeatedly become the victim of rocket and terror attacks. We should not witness another Gaza War or new confrontations on Israel's borders. We have to break this cycle of violence."
He concluded, "Germany has pledged to do its part to ensure that Israel will be able to live in peace and security. This is and remains one of the central pillars of German policy."
Photo Mark Neiman / GPO
