People & Politics | German-Israeli Relations

Relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and Israel got off to a hugely difficult start 60 years ago in light of the Holocaust,and the Nazi era has a lasting legacy for German-Israeli relations. The two countries have made significant steps towards normalizing ties,however,and as a sign of their close relations Chancellor Angela Merkel was able to address the Knesset in German while visiting Israel in March 2008. Michael Wolffsohn was born to German-Jewish parents in Tel Aviv shortly before the creation of the state of Israel and has been living in Germany for over 50 years. He gives us his insights into German-Israeli relations.