The families of those kidnapped by Hamas in Israel are desperate. There are also Germans among the hostages. Some of their relatives are campaigning vehemently for support in Berlin.
Relatives of Germans kidnapped in Israel have urgently asked the federal government to support the release of the hostages from the hands of Hamas. “It’s a nightmare for us, for everyone in Israel. We need your help, we need German help,” said Adi Zalesky on Thursday during a conversation with journalists at the Israeli embassy in Berlin. “This is not just a matter for Israel, it is also a matter for Germany,” emphasized Roni Roman, whose sister and her child were kidnapped by Hamas. “We don’t have time. Your time is running out.”
The relatives had previously met with Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD) and also asked her for German support. Roman then also called on Germany to immediately provide humanitarian aid to ensure that those abducted can receive medical care. She emphasized the need to obtain signs of life from the abductees and bring them back to Germany immediately. “We really need Germany to act quickly.”
Germany has many printing options and connections
Germany has many pressure options and connections and must use all diplomatic options, said Roni Roman and her cousin Maya later in the Israeli embassy. All hostages must be brought home as quickly as possible. Both women will also be received by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier this Friday.
Germany has a responsibility for two reasons, said Roni Roman. “We are the only liberal country in the Middle East. And that is not a conflict, it is terror against the liberal world.” In addition, there is a doctrine of “Never again” in Germany after the Holocaust. “But it happened again.” Roman reported that her grandparents left Germany on the night of the Nazi November pogroms in 1938 and went to Israel to rebuild this country.
More than 200 hostages
According to Israeli figures, the number of hostages after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel is more than 200. So far, families of 203 people have been informed that their relatives have been kidnapped in the sealed-off Gaza Strip, the army confirmed on Thursday. There are also several Germans among them, with whom the federal government has no contact. Hundreds of Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on October 7th, killing more than 1,400 people.
The release of the hostages is also one of the federal government’s main concerns. For example, it was the topic of talks between Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) in Israel and Egypt.
Israel’s ambassador speaks of “paradigm change”
Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, spoke of a “turning point” and a “paradigm shift” in his country. Things in Israel and, in his opinion, in the entire Middle East will never be the same again as they were before the attack on October 6th. Israel will strike back hard and destroy Hamas’ infrastructure. “Hamas will not control Gaza afterwards. Clearly.”
It makes him sad and angry to see Molotov cocktails being thrown at a synagogue in the middle of Berlin, houses being marked with the Star of David and anti-Israel slogans being shouted. One eye was closed, said Prosor.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
