President Gauck said “In this anniversary year, in which the Israeli President Rivlin will come to Germany in May for a state visit, we will certainly consider our shared past. But much more importantly: we will look forward, we will work together to ensure than our special, amicable relationship will deepen. Germany will also stand in support of Israel. Our friendship stands strong, especially in difficult times.”

His Excellency Ambassador Hadas-Handelsman also stressed the deep and close friendship between the two countries. In view of the forthcoming celebrations in the numerous events in 2015, he said: “Next year we want to look back at our achievements, but should also develop our prospects for the future. Because waiting for us there are still many challenges - and endless possibilities. We must always keep in mind preserving the uniqueness of our relationship in the future. That’s what matters - for Israel and for Germany.”

This coming year sees a number of special events to mark the 50th year of relations. This includes the “Naturally for Israel” Conference which takes place in Stuttgart in February, “the Weizmann Institute and Minerva Stiftung: Joint reception and colloquium” in Rehovot, Israel in February and the “Israeli-German Youth Congress 2015” in both Israel and Germany in May.

The event was musically accompanied by the student choir of the Heinz-Galinski primary school.

There were numerous representatives from politics, culture, media and the Jewish community there.

• For more information: http://embassies.gov.il/berlin/NewsAndEvents/Pages/Chanukka-Bundespraesident-beim-Botschafter.aspx

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