Mayor Dr. Felix Schwenke condemns violence in the Middle East and reaffirms Israel's right to exist

Monday, October 7, marks the first anniversary of the Hamas terror attack on Israel. On this day, numerous people became victims of acts of war, abuse and kidnapping on the open road. To this day, Israel's right to exist is denied by extremist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah as well as the current Iranian ruler.

Against this background, Offenbach's Lord Mayor Dr. Felix Schwenke emphasizes: "Because Hamas, Hezbollah and the current rulers in Iran want to wipe out the state of Israel, there have been fierce armed conflicts in the region since 7 October until today. The state of Israel rightly exists. Both the recognition of Israel and the release of all hostages from October 7 are self-evident things that must be done immediately by Hamas, Hezbollah and the rulers in Iran without any preconditions. Our solidarity is with the Israeli people whose existence is being threatened."

On Monday, October 7, the Israeli flag will therefore hang on both sides of the town hall from morning to evening as a sign of solidarity with the state of Israel and the people of Israel. "Our solidarity is also expressly extended to all Jewish citizens in Offenbach," emphasizes Mayor Schwenke.

"Our sympathy," added Mayor Schwenke, "goes out to all innocent victims of violence and their families without exception. With command centers under hospitals, under residential buildings and schools as well as in tunnels - Hamas and Hezbollah are abusing innocent Palestinians everywhere as living shields for their terror. The Iranian regime suppresses every democratic freedom movement. It is truly incomprehensible that in 2024 so many innocent victims on all sides are being condoned. Everyone has a right to live in safety and peace."

Offenbach has enjoyed a long friendship with the Israeli city of Nahariya since the 1960s. The connection was established by Offenbach businessman Ernst Oppenheimer. He established the first contacts between what he called "my two cities". This is because Oppenheimer emigrated to the northern city in 1937 under the pressure of persecution.

"It is also important to distinguish between Israel's right to exist and the current Israeli government. We are firmly committed to Israel's right to exist, but of course we also expect the Israeli government to pursue a strategy that leads to peace and avoids casualties. The recognition of the state of Palestine and the renunciation of a settlement policy that is not internationally coordinated are indispensable. However, we must never lose sight of one thing: Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran want to wipe out Israel. Israel does not want to wipe out Lebanon or Iran. Peace between the peoples, including a free Palestine, must be the goal," said Mayor Schwenke.

"The anniversary of the attack is also the moment for us to remember all Offenbach residents, whether Jews or Palestinians, who have lost loved ones in this war," Schwenke continued.