German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed a deep emotional connection during the reopening of the historic synagogue in Munich, emphasizing the importance of remembering the crimes of the Nazis and confronting the rising antisemitism in Germany.

Merz condemned the recent influx of individuals from countries where antisemitism is prevalent, warning that society has ignored this issue, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to fight all forms of antisemitism.

He highlighted the significance of the synagogue's restoration as a symbol of commitment to Jewish life in Germany, expressing hope that it will one day exist without police protection.

The synagogue, originally built in 1931 in Bauhaus style, was destroyed during the November Pogroms of 1938 but was meticulously reconstructed in a minimalist style, with funding from federal, Bavarian, and Munich sources, symbolizing resilience and remembrance.

Merz also called for a decisive fight against all forms of antisemitism, old and new, and expressed the desire for Jewish communities to live without police protection, emphasizing the ongoing need for security measures.

In a broader context, Merz reflected on the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, describing it as the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, and underscored the importance of remembrance and solidarity.

Recent local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia showed a rise in support for the AfD, which became the third-largest party with 14.5%, while the Greens experienced a decline but still achieved a successful campaign in Cologne.

Despite the gains of the AfD, the Green party expressed concerns over the party's increasing influence and called for a strong democratic response to its rise.

The results were seen as a mandate for the federal government to continue its policies on economic stability and migration, with some politicians emphasizing the importance of addressing voters' concerns.

In Münsterland, police clarified that recent issues with online election result announcements were due to server overload rather than cyberattacks, ensuring confidence in the electoral process.

The Munich synagogue was restored to its original 1931 Bauhaus style after being destroyed in 1938, with a faithful reconstruction featuring simple wooden benches, colorful walls, and stained glass windows depicting Jewish ritual objects and psalms, symbolizing resilience.

The synagogue's restoration was initiated by Rachel Salamander and aimed to preserve its historical and spiritual significance, serving as a symbol of remembrance and hope for Jewish life in Germany.

Friedrich Merz marked the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, describing it as the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and solidarity.