Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued a statement on the situation in Israel. Prior to a decoration ceremony at Schloss Bellevue on 9 October he said:

This was actually supposed to be a pleasant and carefree day for you. And that is still how I want it to be. But I do hope you will understand that, considering the current situation in the Middle East, I open this event with some words of reflection. Because, as we sit here, families in Israel mourn their friends and loved ones, hundreds of severely injured are fighting for their lives in hospitals, and desperate families fear for the fate of those who were kidnapped.

We have all been shaken to the core by the barbaric terrorist attack. Hamas broke into Israel, pillaging and murdering, killing and abducting innocent civilians – young and old, men and women. The suffering that people in Israel are currently experiencing can hardly be put into words. And of all days, Hamas brought its perfidious terror to Israel on Simchat Torah, the high Jewish holiday. Hundreds of joyful young people who were gathered in the south of the country for a carefree and peaceful music festival were brutally attacked; at least 260 of them were, one must say, slaughtered. These were young people who had their entire lives ahead of them. We have all seen the images. Images that are unbearable to look at.

We stand in full solidarity with our Israeli friends who have been attacked. We, too, mourn the many who have been killed and injured. Our thoughts are with those who still fear for their lives, and those who do not know where their daughters, brothers or grandmothers are. On Saturday, a few hours after the attack started, I was able to speak with Israeli President Herzog. We have known each other for many years; we are close, and we have always stayed in contact during the Middle East’s numerous crises. Yet I have never experienced this friend and colleague of mine as shaken as this.

Israel’s security was never a given; it always had to be defended. This has been true ever since the country was founded 75 years ago. It is particularly true now, and it will be so in the coming weeks. Israel has declared a state of war and must defend itself against this terrorism with all its might. And Israel has the right to defend itself and its people. US President Biden underscored this again publicly yesterday.

Here in Germany, we must also be especially vigilant now. We must protect Jewish life in our country, and we must strongly and decisively oppose all forms of antisemitism and hatred of Israel. We cannot tolerate people going so far as to celebrate in the streets that Israel has been brutally attacked. Anyone who cheers on this terror not only desecrates the victims, but also tramples on human dignity and our German constitution. Such behaviour horrifies me – I find it appalling.

Germany stands firmly by Israel’s side at this difficult time. The Israeli people, as well as all Jews in Germany, may rest assured of this.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear guests: I kindly ask you to rise so that we can observe a minute of silence in commemoration of the victims.