German president urges Israel, Palestinians to coexist peacefully
In visit to Israel, Joachim Gauck meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Rivlin and receives an honorary doctorate from Hebrew University.
German President Joachim Gauck has urged Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully. At the same time, Gauck, who was visiting Israel on Sunday, expressed understanding for the Israel's security needs.
"Now that terrorism is moving closer to us in Western Europe, I have a better idea of the threat that Israelis have been facing for decades," Gauck said during a speech at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
The German politician was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy at the university due to his international work against racism, extremism and anti-Semitism. The award was presented by the President of the Hebrew University, Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson, and the Rector of the Hebrew University, Prof. Asher Cohen.
"The award was conferred in recognition of President Gauck's exemplary public service and his defense of democracy, in particular his devotion to a free and unified Germany along with his dedication to bring justice to the German people; in tribute to his advocacy against global racism, extremism and anti-Semitism and his determination to preserve the memory of the Holocaust; and in appreciation of his support for higher education and his solidarity and friendship with the State of Israel," the Hebrew University said in a statement.
“I wish that Jews and Palestinians could finally break out of the vicious circle of violence and find a way to co-exist in peace and self-determination," Gauck said in his speech at the Hebrew University.
"My wish is that those of you in particular who are sitting in this room and who will steer the fate of your country in the future, will retain your hope and strength so that the longing of people all over the world can become a reality in your country, too: a life in dignity, justice, freedom and security – for everyone, equally."
Three years ago, Gauck had addressed the same issue when he came to Israel for the first time as a federal president. At the time, he had strongly pressed the idea of a two-state solution, a concept favored as well by the German government.
Before the ceremony at the University today, Gauck also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a working breakfast. German media reported the two were expected to discuss the situation in the Middle East as well as the threat posed by ISIS. Another topic might have been the EU decision in November to label Israeli products from settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights.
Gauck also met with President Reuven Rivlin.
His visit in Israel was part of the celebrations of the 50-year anniversary of German-Israeli friendship.
Gauck will stay in the region on Sunday night, heading to Amman to meet with Jordan's King Abdullah II about the war in Syria and the refugee crisis.
