02:41Germany: Merkel and Steinmeier attend memorial ceremony for victims of National Socialism
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier attended the memorial ceremony for victims of National Socialism in the Bundestag, on Wednesday, during the National Day of Remembrance.
Merkel could be seen watching the emotional speech given by Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, about her experience in the Holocaust.
"A transport of old people and children to Theresienstadt [concentration camp]. Grandmother or I have to get on the train," Knobloch said. "Before that, the most difficult moment of my life: Grandmother says she is going to a health cure and will be back soon. I know what that means," Knobloch added with emotion.
"Because where anti-semitism has a place, every form of hatred can spread," she continued. "The fight against this is a fight for human dignity, for democracy, for unity, for justice and freedom."
After the speeches, Merkel also took part in a ceremony at Bundestag's prayer room.
The National Day of Remembrance was announced 25 years ago by then President Roman Herzog, and it corresponds to the same date as the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp.
02:41Mandatory Credit: Deutsche Bundestag
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier attended the memorial ceremony for victims of National Socialism in the Bundestag, on Wednesday, during the National Day of Remembrance.
Merkel could be seen watching the emotional speech given by Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, about her experience in the Holocaust.
"A transport of old people and children to Theresienstadt [concentration camp]. Grandmother or I have to get on the train," Knobloch said. "Before that, the most difficult moment of my life: Grandmother says she is going to a health cure and will be back soon. I know what that means," Knobloch added with emotion.
"Because where anti-semitism has a place, every form of hatred can spread," she continued. "The fight against this is a fight for human dignity, for democracy, for unity, for justice and freedom."
After the speeches, Merkel also took part in a ceremony at Bundestag's prayer room.
The National Day of Remembrance was announced 25 years ago by then President Roman Herzog, and it corresponds to the same date as the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp.