In a landmark visit, the top leadership of Germany—headed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz—arrived at the Chabad Jewish Campus in Berlin. The visit comes in response to a recent surge in antisemitic incidents across the German capital. Its purpose: to express strong solidarity with the Jewish community and firmly condemn antisemitism.
The visit brought together senior government figures, including Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, ministers, state governors, and other high-ranking officials. They were welcomed at the synagogue and community center by Berlin’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal.
This significant visit takes place against the backdrop of a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents throughout Germany. In recent months, dozens of cases involving vandalism, graffiti, threats, and verbal abuse targeting Jews and Jewish institutions have been reported. The Jewish community has expressed growing concern for its safety.
The visit is accompanied by heavy security and extensive media coverage. It began with a tour of the community’s educational institutions for all age groups and continued with a special visit to the main synagogue, where Chancellor Merz delivered a strong speech of support and unequivocally condemned all forms of antisemitism.
“We see this visit as a clear message of support from the government,” said Rabbi Teichtal. “Throughout, the Chancellor has consistently condemned antisemitism and supported the flourishing Jewish life here. Today’s visit demonstrates that more than anything.”
This is considered one of the most high-level visits by German leadership to a Jewish institution in recent years. Community representatives described the event as a “significant moment” reflecting Germany’s commitment to protecting Jewish life and ensuring the freedom of Jewish expression in the country.
The Chancellor and his delegation also met with students studying at Chabad’s educational institutions in the city, witnessing firsthand the remarkable growth and vitality of Jewish life—despite the current wave of antisemitism.
