On Sunday, German business took a stand against anti-Semitism and hatred of Jews with full-page advertisements in the Springer newspapers “Bild am Sonntag” and “Welt am Sonntag”. Germany based. 106 companies placed their logo under the line “Never again is now”. The ad states: “We all condemn Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel. And we see with horror the suffering of civilians in Israel and Gaza. As a German company, we stand against all forms of hatred and anti-Semitism.”
The companies are aware of their historical responsibility. “That’s why we ask everyone to join us in standing by our Jewish fellow citizens in our companies and in our country. There should be no place for hatred of Jews in Germany,” the advertisements continue. “‘Never again’ is the obligation of every individual. ‘Never again’ is now.” The signatories included, among others Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Bosch, alliance, BASF, Lufthansa, SAP and the German railway.
Mercedes misses the registration deadline
A large German company is missing from the ad: Mercedes Benz. When asked by the “Stuttgarter Zeitung”, a company spokesman said: “The simple truth is: we were just a little too late. When we were contacted about the campaign at the beginning of last week, we were initially busy getting our fundraising campaign off the ground. “
According to CEO Ola Källenius (54), this is “a donation of one million euros to the aid organization United Hatzalah to procure rescue vehicles and to the German Red Cross, which organizes humanitarian aid locally in cooperation with its sister companies.” But the company supports the text and message “either way.”
The truck and bus manufacturer has been independent for two years Daimler trucks however, took part in the call.
In addition to companies, numerous organizations called for demonstrations against anti-Semitism on Sunday. Directly at the Brandenburg Gate, a broad alliance of organizations wants to set an example against anti-Semitism and for solidarity with Israel in the afternoon.
On the initiative of the German-Israeli Society, parties and religious communities as well as trade unions and employers’ associations are taking part in the rally. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (67) is expected to open the rally with a speech. Family members of Israeli hostages will also have their say.