Chancellor Merz gets emotional at synagogue opening

Germany's Jewish community, one of the most enduring elements of the nation's cultural heritage, stands at a bitter-sweet crossroads. On September 15, 2025, Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed a deeply emotional gathering in Munich to reopen the Reichenbachstrasse Synagogue. More than mere ceremony, the event was an unforgettable moment of remembrance and hope.

The synagogue, which originally opened in 1931 and was demolished by the Nazis in 1938, today serves as a beacon of survival and rebirth. The event was particularly meaningful since it coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Central Council of Jews in Germany.

A New Beginning Steeped in History

As Chancellor Merz addressed the audience, his voice occasionally broke with emotion. He referred to the Holocaust as a crime against humanity, quoting Hannah Arendt's description of the radical evil that ought never to have occurred among human beings. His words resonated deeply, particularly with guests like 92-year-old Charlotte Knobloch and Josef Schuster, chairman of the Central Council of Jews.

This was the initial time Merz had spoken to a synagogue as an elected representative, a strong move considering recent tensions. In 2023, following the Hamas attack on Israel, he toured a synagogue and a Berlin Jewish high school. He personally witnessed how students feared antisemitic attacks. Those experiences visibly informed his moving address in Munich, acknowledging the community's resilience in the face of adversity.

The Growing Shadow of Antisemitism

Two days earlier in Berlin, the Central Council of Jews celebrated its 75th anniversary. But it was tainted with a shadow. Josef Schuster explained to DW that it has become risky to be openly Jewish – such as wearing a kippah or a Star of David – in some areas of Berlin. He emphasized that Jewish life in Germany is alive and vibrant from Flensburg to Munich, but he also warned that since October 7, 2023, antisemitism has been spreading at a fast rate.

Chancellor Merz did not flinch from the harsh reality. He demanded added police security for Jewish communities of every type and acknowledged his own shame as a German politician. He spoke of a new antisemitic wave triggered by individuals who had grown up in nations where antisemitism was widespread. The term created uproar but also demonstrated Merz's resolve to meet the challenge squarely.

Progress Amid Persistent Struggles

Ever since the Central Council was established in 1950, Jewish life in Germany has been dramatically transformed. Nowadays, there are some 250,000 Jews in the country, and nearly half of them belong to one of 105 congregations. Recent years have seen successes, such as the recruitment of the Bundeswehr's first military rabbi and a Jewish Academy planned for Frankfurt by 2026. Museums that specialize in Jewish history, such as the one Daniel Libeskind designed in Berlin, recount stories of suffering and endurance.

Nevertheless, security is always an issue. The Berlin Jewish Museum now has airport-like screening for visitors. That level of caution reflects the overall reality that Jewish communities endure, particularly since the 2023 Hamas attack somehow fueled antisemitism globally.

Politics and Difficult Conversations

Merz also addressed a sensitive issue – the thin line between criticizing Israel and antisemitism. His partial suspension of arms exports to Israel was criticized both by his own party as well as by some Jewish leaders. Josef Schuster emphasized that Israel's government and Jews all over the world should not be lumped together and should not be confused with criticism. According to him, it is undoubtedly incorrect to do so.

This is part of a broader political strain. Merz's comments on where antisemitism springs up in immigrant communities caused controversy. Critics caution that the matter is complicated, but Merz's definitive position indicates he is devoted to facing these challenges, however politically touchy.

Looking Ahead

For Germany's Jewish community, this is a moment both hopeful and anxious. The resumption of synagogue life and thriving institutions provide hope. But the uptick in antisemitism demands action. Chancellor Merz's Munich and Berlin addresses emphasize the government's responsibility to provide safety and acceptance. For Jewish Germans, the future is clear: develop rich culture and religion while accepting that old hatreds are seeking new venues.

Video Partner: DW