With Germany's political future in the dark, and the elections appear to be very close in the last two decades, we need to take a step back and thank the outgoing Chancellor, Angela Merkel.
Despite the differences over the years, in relation to Israel, Merkel is the direct successor of Conrad Adenauer and Helmut Cole, who over the years have led what has become known as "unique relations" between the two countries.
Like them, Merkel poured real and profound content into these words, recognizing not only Germany's responsibility for the horrors of the Holocaust, but also its commitment to the existence of the nation - state of the Jewish people in peace and security.
Her attitude toward Israel was not self-evident.
As someone who came from East Germany, she did not know much about Israel, the Jews and the Holocaust, so her rise to power was accompanied by apprehension and doubts about her policy.
These fears soon dissipated, as she made it clear that she was committed to the Jewish people and their country, believing that Germany would not be the same Germany without the Jews.
In her first speech in the Knesset in 2008, she went further than any of her predecessors in stating that Israel's security is part of the German national interest.
During Operation Resilient Cliff in 2014, Merkel stated that Germany under her leadership could not be neutral or indifferent when it came to the security of Israel and its citizens.
Angela Merkel Speaks in Berlin (Archive), Photo: AFP
Under Merkel's leadership, Germany faced its past with courage and sincerity.
It fought anti-Semitism in Germany in particular and in Europe in general, and adopted the international definition of anti-Semitism.
The German parliament also condemned the BDS movement and defined it as anti-Semitic.
Germany even led the opposition to opening an investigation against Israel in the International Court of Justice in The Hague. These measures are still considered unpopular in Europe. However, Merkel did not compromise on the status of Jews and their country's. Israel in the EU A significant step in this area was the declaration of the entire Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
Disappointing approach
Along with the compliments, it is important to illuminate the sides of our relationship that need improvement.
As for the Iranian nuclear deal, while France and Britain have led a firm line, Germany is leading a compromise line in support of the series.
This approach directly endangers Israel's security, and is contrary to our national interests.
In international organizations, too, Germany's voting pattern is disappointing, and it tends to align with the consensus of the European Union, which often stands in contrast to the unique relations between the countries.
Among other things, she supported the condemnation of American recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the relocation of the embassy there.
Merkel welcomes former Prime Minister Netanyahu in Berlin, in 2010, Photo: AP
Bottom line, the positives outweigh the negatives.
Merkel is one of the few leaders who has worked for Israel out of genuine commitment, not just out of interests.
Anyone who does not come or will come in her place, will already be politicians of a different generation and breed, because Merkel has demonstrated leadership of a kind that is disappearing.
Thanks guys.
Hello, and hope to see you again in the future.
The author is the Chairman of the Abba Even Institute for International Diplomacy at Reichman University, former Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador of Israel to the United Nations and the United Kingdom
