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It was not without resistance on both sides that Konrad Adenauer and David Ben Gurion initiated the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel 60 years ago - which were officially sealed on 12 May 1965. Against the backdrop of the dark past, this is a “true miracle,” according to a press release from the Israeli embassy in Berlin. Germany is a strategic partner, only surpassed in importance by the USA.

However, the anniversary year falls in tense times, which also cloud the relationship between the two countries. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has repeatedly criticized the proportionality of Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attack in October 2023. It is not entirely clear whether the Federal Government has temporarily held back from supplying certain types of weapons to Israel. Both want to celebrate the anniversary with numerous events - under the logo of Israeli artist Uri Mor from Shenkar College of Design.

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