Merkel joins Berlin anti-Semitism rally

BERLIN , Sept. 15 (UPI) -- A Berlin rally heard Chancellor Angela Merkel and others condemn anti-Semitism, which has increased in Germany since Israel's invasion of Gaza.

Hundreds of thousands of people convened Sunday at the Brandenburg Gate as a response to numerous incidents across Europe, typically at pro-Palestinian demonstrations, that have left Jews with a sense of anxiety. Anti-Semitic attacks in Germany bring back haunting memories of World War II and the Holocaust.

Under a banner reading "Stand Up! Jew Hatred, -- Never Again!," Merkel said, "That people in Germany get mobbed again, threatened and attacked when they let themselves be recognized as Jews or when they speak out in favor of the state of Israel is an outrageous scandal. I don't accept this, we all here don't accept this."

"We want Jews to feel safe in this country. They should feel that this country is our common home...in which all people who live here have a good future ahead. With this rally we give an important signal, a signal against anti-Semitism, against extremism and against any kind of hostility. We give a signal for respect, respect for the religious faith and the culture of others, regardless whether they are Jews, Muslims or Christians—a sign for peace and thriving together in this country," she added.

Jews from across Germany attended the rally, some acknowledging they have been reluctant, out of caution, to wear outward symbols of their faith in recent months. Some mentioned they were targets of taunts as they proceeded to Berlin.