Germany, Israel warn of anti-Semitism surge

Berlin, May 12 (IANS/EFE) German President Joachim Gauck and his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin issued a joint warning in an interview published in Bild and Yedioth Ahronoth newspapers about the global increase in anti-Semitism, especially in Europe.

Slogans against Israel and against Jews are increasing around the world, Rivlin explained, adding that in Europe, due to its not so distant past with anti-Semitism, sensitivity to this issue needed to be heightened.

Gauck said that Germany as well experienced an increase in demonstrations criticising Israel in recent years, but the sentiments expressed were at times clearly anti-Semitic.

The heads of state gave the interview during Rivlin's visit to Berlin, which started on Monday and will end on Wednesday, to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel.

Despite the close relationship between the two countries, bilateral ties were strained in recent months after Berlin criticised Israel on several occasions for its settlement policy and its military operations in the Palestinian territories.

Germany has also advocated a solution to the conflict in the Middle East based on the recognition of the Palestinian state, something that has not boded well with the newly re-elected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

--IANS/EFE

ab/dg