My voice shock as I read the names of victims. I didn’t dare to look up and concentrated on their names hoping to pronounce them rightly.

Elyona Estpank

Emil Smoylov

Erez Ariel

Erez Biton

Eric Yehuda Marciano

Eti Zak

After a small pause I stepped off the stone paved plateau. Dustin, a young politician and German Jew, lit a candle in a red protective cover, which we set on graves and places of mourning to show our grief. With a whispered „Danke“ and a slight nod he laid it into my outstretched hands. I cradled the candle in my hands as I searched for an appropriate spot to set it into the sea of sorrowful lights.

We had gathered in the center of Bamberg to commemorate and mourn the victims of the terror Hamas had spread over Israel taking precious lives all in a sudden. Jews and Christians. Believers and Non-Believers. Young and old. Politicians and citizens. All were gathered to express the grief inflicted through the horrors inflicted on thousands.

Shirt Yam Amar

Shiraz Brodash

Shirel Mor

Shlomi Molcho

Ayelet Molcho

Shlomi Mathias

My throat felt dry as I red the next six of hundreds of names. As a German I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that so many Jews had lost their lives through terror, hate and unbelievable evilness – the largest number since the Holocaust. My nations and family´s history had committed me to counteract Antisemitism. As my friend you know about so many personal stories I had entrusted you with. They have formed me into the person I am now.

A cold shiver ran down my spine as I suddenly had to think of you. I remember, when I broke the news to you that I would return to Germany. I was called to become a chaplain within the German Federal Police. The sadness was lightened by the fact that I would infuse the commitment to counteract Antisemitism through teaching and involvement in this important part of our German democracy and state.

Sahar Zion Machlof

Salman Abu Mar´i

Samdar Mor Idan

Segev Schwartz

Segev Shalom

Shachar Kedem

As I read the names on the last sheet that was handed to me little did I know, what would come just a day later. Last night a synagogue in Berlin was attacked with Molotov cocktails last. Tonight protesters erected burning barricades. Police officers are actively attacked while they try to ensure security to sensitive areas. The Holocaust memorial in the center of Berlin is protected by hundreds of police officers.

Violence is erupting around the world.

It feels as if the world is set on fire.

But be assured, together with thousands I have committed myself to stand strong. We will not back down and give in to hate. Not in Germany. Never again.