Israel and Germany are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. The two countries established official relations on 12 May 1965. But this would not have been possible without science, said Education Minister Cem Özdemir (The Greens) at a ceremony in Berlin on Wednesday. He called relations with Israel a miracle.
Six years before official relations were established, there had already been an exchange on a scientific level. A delegation from the Max Planck Society travelled to Israel as early as 1959. Referring to the biblical story of creation, Özdemir said: ‘In the beginning there was science’.
Özdemir also criticised supporters of boycott movements against Israel. ‘Not with us,’ said the minister. The exchange with Israel is more intensive than ever before. With regard to the relationship with Israel, he explained: ‘Friendship between two countries thrives on exchange and cooperation. This is exemplary in the field of research.’
At the ceremony, the Chairman of the Israeli Innovation Authority, Alon Stopel, also emphasised the role of science with regard to the establishment of diplomatic relations ‘Science is a strong pillar of German-Israeli relations. Both countries benefit from the cooperation.’
Stopel also mentioned the Israeli hostages who are still being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. ‘We are praying and will do everything we can to free the hostages.’
The Israeli ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, also spoke about the hostages. He said that 7 October 2023 was the darkest day in Israel’s history. Every Israeli knows people who are directly or indirectly affected by Hamas terror.
With regard to research, Prosor advocated standing up for facts and truths. He also praised Israel’s mentality. ‘Did you know that Israel landed on the moon a few years ago?’ he asked. It may have been a crash landing, but failure is part of the game. It is important not to give up and to look for solutions. He therefore announced that Israel would complete a successful moon landing in a few years’ time.
He concluded by describing Israel’s innovative spirit with a joke: two friends want to visit a restaurant where dogs are not allowed. One friend has a Labrador, the other a Chihuahua. The first friend enters the restaurant, explains that the dog is his guide dog and is allowed to go in. The second friend tries to do the same. The waiter asks in astonishment: ‘A Chihuahua as a guide dog?’ The second friend replies: ‘A Chihuahua? Damn, they told me it was a Labrador.’
Source: israelnetz.com | author: Martin Schlorke (in German)