Anniversary in Jerusalem: Steinmeier and Herzog celebrate 60 years of friendship!

Anniversary in Jerusalem: Steinmeier and Herzog celebrate 60 years of friendship!

On May 13, 2025, German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Israeli President Isaac Herzog traveled together to Jerusalem. The visit marked a significant moment for bilateral relations as the two presidents recalled the 60-year-old diplomatic relationship between Germany and Israel. During the joint trip, various official appointments were held that were intended to honor the close connections and history of both nations. Deutschlandfunk reports that the two presidents in Berlin praised the close relations of the past six decades and Steinmeier emphasized that the Germans should never have hoped for such a friendship with Israel after the horrors of the Second World War and the Shoah.

Herzog expressed his gratitude for Germany's constant support for Israel. The visit comes in a sensitive geopolitical context, a few months after the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. Federal President notes that Germany affirms Israel's right to self-defense and at the same time calls for the upholding of international law. Steinmeier also emphasized the urgency of releasing all hostages, including German citizens, and ensuring the protection of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.

Program and highlights of the visit

The joint visit, considered the first of its kind in history, symbolizes the close personal connection between the two presidents and the deep ties between their countries. The visit began in Berlin with military honors for President Herzog, followed by a meeting of the presidential couple at Bellevue Palace. Steinmeier thanked Herzog for six decades of friendship, while the presidents' wives attended the Wannsee Conference House to commemorate the planning of the murder of Jews.

The program in Israel began with a visit to the National Library in Jerusalem, where the sculpture “Letters of Light” was viewed. Steinmeier and Herzog planned to speak with intellectuals about the current social and political situation in the country, as well as a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the afternoon. To further deepen bilateral relations, a festive dinner hosted by President Herzog and a visit to the Weizmann Institute were also on the agenda.

Future perspectives and dialogue

A central topic of the talks was the current situation in Gaza, the ceasefire, the humanitarian situation and the prospect of a two-state solution, which is to be promoted in cooperation with Arab neighbors and Gulf states. Steinmeier also commented on the need for humanitarian aid for the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. Activities under the motto “Generational Dialogue” also took place as part of a German-Israeli youth congress, which were intended to promote exchange between the younger generations.

In summary, the visit was not only an important opportunity for both presidents to reflect on the history and current exchanges between Germany and Israel, but also provided a platform to discuss the challenges and hopes for the future. Both countries see reconciliation and partnership as a historic gift and cause for gratitude.