My take on the occassion of rituals such as Al Quds Day in Berlin for American Institute for Contemporary German Studies (AICGS): „These [German-Israeli] relationships were and are far more diverse, unusual, complex, and often misunderstood than what many may think or expect. They are special even if both sides have always pursued solid, “normal” interests, and even if one cannot rely on this friendship in a crisis. Social exchange is all the more important for encounters as described above, so that these relations are not regarded as “especially normal,” but “normally special.” Then Germany will also work with more empathy and understanding for Israel’s reality without losing sight of its own failings and social challenges.“

 

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