Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel has been honored with the Theodor Herzl Award by the World Jewish Congress

The 2019 Theodor Herzl Award was presented to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. This prestigious award is bestowed by the World Jewish Congress upon public and political figures for their significant contributions to promoting Herzl’s vision of a safer and more tolerant world for the Jewish people.

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder presented the award to Chancellor Merkel at a solemn ceremony attended by EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili and other EAJC leaders.

In his address, Mr. Lauder highlighted Germany’s post-World War II efforts and its commitment to overcoming its dark past: "You, Chancellor Merkel, are a true symbol of this incredible success. You represent the very best of post-war Germany. You have consistently supported the Jewish community in this country and have always stood with Israel."

Expressing her gratitude to the WJC leadership, Chancellor Merkel emphasized that "Jewish life in Germany must be supported and protected."

Referring to the Yom Kippur attack on the synagogue in Halle, the German Chancellor described it as a "disgraceful crime that fills us with deep shame."

"This is a highly concerning trend," the Chancellor stated. "These incidents target not only Jews in our nation, but also non-Jews alike. They threaten the very foundations of our state, our values, and our freedom. Such acts strike at the heart of our peaceful coexistence, stemming from a profound hatred of democracy itself. It is unacceptable for German citizens to live in fear due to their faith. We must do everything in our power to guarantee their freedom and safety. Antisemitism and racism do not begin with violence. We must remain constantly vigilant, rather than reacting only after hostile rhetoric escalates into action."

Prior to the official ceremony, Michael Mirilashvili thanked Chancellor Merkel for her dedication to the Jewish community in Germany and her contribution to combating antisemitism nationally and throughout Europe.

Previous recipients of the Theodor Herzl Award include the Rothschild family, former US Secretaries of State Colin Powell, Henry Kissinger, and George Shultz, former US Vice President Joseph Biden, former Israeli President Shimon Peres, Elie and Marion Wiesel, and posthumously, Ronald Reagan and Axel Springer.