Merz dons kippah at synagogue opening, vows war on antisemitism
German Chancellor in the synagogue. Photo: Sven Hoppe
On September 15, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke at the reopening ceremony of a synagogue in Munich, pledging decisive measures against antisemitism to Jewish communities. Merz delivered his speech wearing a Jewish kippah.
“We are experiencing a new wave of antisemitism in our country. The federal government and I are declaring war on this antisemitism. We will not tolerate it – not even under the guise of so-called freedom of art, culture, and science,” Merz stated.
In his emotional address, the Chancellor noted that antisemitism did not disappear in Germany after World War II. He linked the problem to immigration, stressing that “a significant share of those who have arrived in Germany in recent decades were socialized in countries where antisemitism is practically a state doctrine.” During his speech, Merz was visibly close to tears.
The synagogue on Reichenbach Street is the only Jewish place of worship in Munich to have survived the Nazi period.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the number of Orthodox Christians in Germany sharply increased due to Ukrainian refugees.
Read also
OCU parishioners in Kosmach sue each other over December 25 service
An OCU parish in Ivano-Frankivsk Region held no services either on December 25 or on January 7.
Analyst likens Bankova’s case against UOC to Stalin-era repression
Bondarenko said the way the authorities justify pressure on the Church may amount to the rhetoric of the totalitarian era.
Christmas caroling and festive concerts held across UOC eparchies
During the January celebration of the Nativity of Christ, UOC communities across the country sing carols, hold concerts, and organize charitable initiatives.
Primate: God’s law is written in every human heart
During a sermon in Boryspil, His Beatitude reminded the faithful of the meaning of Christmas and the need to live according to God’s commandments.
Media: Transgender-identified inmates sexually assault women in US prisons
Female inmates, who have been interviewed extensively as part of the research on the impact of gender ideology in custodial settings, describe the facility as “a haven for sexual predators who pretend to be transgender.”
Guardian: Bible sales in Britain hit new highs in 2025
Specialists are noting growing interest in Christian texts amid social change and a rethinking of faith’s role in contemporary society.