German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday lauded the contribution of Jews to German culture at a recent ceremony to celebrate 1,700 years of Jewish life in Germany.
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Jewish history in Germany "is one of emancipation and prosperity, but also of humiliation, exclusion and disenfranchisement,'" Deutsche Welle reported.
"Whether in philosophy, literature, art and music, science, medicine or business, Jews have been instrumental in writing and shaping our history and illuminating our culture," Steinmeier said at the ceremony held at a synagogue in Cologne.
Steinmeier maintained despite Jews' decisive contribution to Germany's transition into the modern age, Jewish life in the country was being threatened by open anti-Semitism .
He noted that the centuries of marginalization and persecution of Jews required an "honest look" and urged that it was necessary to counter the scourge of anti-Semitism , by accepting lessons from the past for a brighter future.
Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews, said Jews would not celebrate the year in view of recent attacks on Jewish institutions and increasing anti-Semitism according to DW.
President Reuven Rivlin emphasized the deep friendship between Germany and Israel, saying that "although we will never forget the tragedies of the past, we share a common heritage."
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The event the president attended began a celebratory jubilee year, in which there will be approximately 1,000 religious and cultural events throughout Germany in the coming months.
i24NEWS contributed to this report.
