German-Israeli relations

The Luxembourg Agreement

The Reparations Agreement between Israel and West Germany was signed in Luxembourg on September 10, 1952 by Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett (second from left) and West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer (second from right). West Germany agreed to pay Israel 3.45 billon marks in compensation for the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust and for Jewish property stolen by the Nazis.

German-Israeli relations

New York rapprochement

In 1960, a meeting in New York between Israel's Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion (left) and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer marked the end of the Cold War between the two countries. Ben-Gurion was sharply criticized by many Israelis for his attempts to smooth ties with the Germans. But in 1965, both countries began diplomatic relations.

German-Israeli relations

Terror attacks in Munich

During the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, 11 members of the Israeli team were killed after they were taken hostage by Palestinian terrorists. Three of the assassins were captured but later released by the West German government following the hijacking of a Lufthansa plane. Israel was deeply shocked by the events.

German-Israeli relations

German chancellor in Israel

Willy Brandt became the first German Chancellor to visit Israel in 1973 - 28 years after the end of World War II. He is pictured here with Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Dajan (right). Two years later, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin made a return visit to Germany.

German-Israeli relations

Town twinnings

The German town of Andernach on the Rhine river formed a partnership with the Israeli town of Dimona in the Negev Desert in 1975 - the first of more than 100 such associations. There are also numerous exchange programs between Germany and Israel, including youth meetings and scientific cooperation.

German-Israeli relations

Brisk business

The two countries also work together economically: Germany is Israel's second-biggest trading partner. In 2009, Israel exported goods worth $1,44 billion to Germany and imported products valued at $3,36 billion. Much of the trade went through the port of Haifa, pictured here. But German arms deliveries to Israel are often controversial.

German-Israeli relations

The first state visit

In 1985, Richard von Weizsäcker - shown here at the grave of Israel's founder, David Ben-Gurion - became the first German President to visit the country. His speech on May 8, in which he called the end of World War II "a day of liberation," was well-received in Israel. Two years later, Israeli President Chaim Herzog returned the visit.

German-Israeli relations

In the Knesset

In 2000, Johannes Rau became the first German head of state to speak before the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. "In front of the people of Israel, I bow in humility before those who were murdered, who have no grave on which I could ask them for forgiveness," Rau told parliamentarians.

German-Israeli relations

The language of perpetrators

When German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave a speech to the Knesset in 2008, a number of lawmakers left the chamber - protesting against the fact that she was speaking in German. "Germany and Israel are and remain forever linked in a special way by the memory of the Shoah," Merkel said.

German-Israeli relations

Political exchange

In 2010, relations between the German and Israeli governments became even closer. The high point was the common session of the two cabinets. Angela Merkel and Israel's President Benjamin Netanyahu made a joint visit to the memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe.

German-Israeli relations

Travel ban for Grass

Günter Grass caused a major uproar in April 2012 when he published a poem criticizing Israel for its stance on Iran. Israel responded by imposing a travel ban on the Nobel prize winner. "A man who volunteered for the SS Death's head divisions" should not be allowed to enter Israel, said Interior Minister Eli Yishai.

German-Israeli relations

Gauck's visit

The new German President, Joachim Gauck, begins his visit to Israel on Monday, May 28. During his four-day tour he is also expected to enter Palestinian territories. Gauck was invited to the country by Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Author: Dennis Stute / ji | Editor: Neil King