For the first time in 14 years of rule: Merkel visits the Auschwitz death camp
The German chancellor will become the third leader of her camp visit, against the backdrop of Germany's struggle with the resurrection of anti-Semitism in the near future and the rise of the far-right. Merkel said the fight "in all forms of hatred" was her top priority, and she promised to continue supporting the local Jewish community.
Merkel enters camp gates today (Photo: Reuters)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel Visits Auschwitz Extermination Camp, December 6, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel began her visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi extermination camp, Poland, for the first time since coming to power about 14 years ago. The visit was set against the backdrop of the revival of anti-Semitism in Germany and the rise of the far-right, and as part of Germany's attempt to deal with the situation.
Merkel is the third leader of Germany to ever visit the camp, just a month before the 75th anniversary of his liberation by Soviet forces, on January 27, 1945. Merkel said on the eve of the visit that "the fight against anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred" is a priority for her government . The leader promised that her government would act "resolutely" in supporting the Jewish community in Germany.
Merkel began her visit at the entrance of the camp gate, on which the words "Arbeit power frei", "Labor liberates" are engraved. Later, a minute of silence will be held near the death wall where thousands of prisoners were shot, as well as standing and laying a wreath in nearby Birkenau.
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To the full articleThe gates of the Auschwitz extermination camp today (Photo: Reuters)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel Visits Auschwitz Extermination Camp, December 6, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)
According to Christophe Hobner, Deputy Chairman of the International Commission in Auschwitz, Merkel's visit "is a particularly important sign of attitude and solidarity in the period when Auschwitz survivors are victims of anti-Semitic insults and hateful messages," he said yesterday. The German government announced yesterday that it will contribute € 60 million for The Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.
