On October 7, 2025, Germany found itself at the crossroads of memory, politics, and social tension as the nation marked two years since the devastating Hamas attack on Israel. Across cities large and small, commemorative events unfolded to honor the nearly 1,200 Israelis killed and more than 200 taken hostage in what German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described as a "day of darkness." The attack, which sparked a relentless Israeli military response in Gaza resulting in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, continues to reverberate through German society, stirring debates about history, responsibility, and the future of coexistence.
At the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the solemnity was palpable. At precisely 5:29 a.m.—the moment the attack began in Israel—organizers read aloud the names of the victims. A thousand empty chairs, arranged in the shadow of the monument, stood as silent witnesses to the lives lost. Later in the day, the phrase "Bring them now now" was projected onto the gate, a poignant appeal for the release of the remaining Israeli hostages still believed to be held by Hamas. According to Deutsche Welle, these acts of remembrance were mirrored in cities like Leipzig, where President Frank-Walter Steinmeier addressed members of the local Jewish community, and in Berlin, where Bundestag President Julia Klöckner met with relatives of victims before opening an Israeli art exhibition.
Yet, the day was not without its discord. As commemorative events honored Israeli victims, pro-Palestinian demonstrations sprang up in Berlin and Frankfurt, underscoring the suffering endured by civilians in Gaza since October 2023. The tension was further heightened by the discovery of pro-Palestinian graffiti—bearing slogans such as "Free Gaza" and "From the river to the sea"—sprayed overnight on the regional parliament building in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein. State parliament speaker Kristina Herbst condemned the act, stating, "Our parliament stands for democratic dialogue, not vandalism and political slogans sprayed on walls. Political matters must always have a place in the public debate, but not on the walls of parliament."
German leaders responded with a mix of solidarity and caution. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, addressing the nation, warned of a "new wave of antisemitism" that has surged in Germany since the Hamas attack and subsequent Israeli response. "Today, we look at our own country with concern," Merz said, according to Deutsche Welle. "Since October 7, 2023, we have experienced a new wave of antisemitism which shows itself in both old and new forms: on social media, at universities, on our streets—ever louder, ever more insolent and ever more frequently in the shape of violence." Merz, who grew up in postwar Germany, invoked the nation's pledge of "Nie wieder"—never again—urging Germans to stand by their Jewish compatriots. "Let us all show that we stand by their side and that we will do all we can to ensure that Jews can live here in Germany with confidence and without fear," he appealed.
Foreign Minister Wadephul echoed this sentiment but also addressed the complexity of the conflict. In a video message, he said, "Today, we bow down before the victims and raise our voices against terror, hate and antisemitism. On that dark Saturday, Israel experienced hell. The terrorists murdered over 1,000 people—men, women, children—in cold blood, reveling in violence and filming themselves as they spoiled corpses and abducted entire families." At the same time, Wadephul reminded the public of the suffering in Gaza: "But we cannot and will not overlook the suffering of the people in Gaza. They also have the same right to life, protection, aid and dignity." He placed blame for the ongoing hardship squarely on Hamas, stating, "Hamas is not in the slightest bit interested in their well-being."
Amid these national conversations, a lone German woman found herself at the center of controversy after publicly supporting the Israeli army. According to reporting on October 7, 2025, she was ridiculed when no one else joined her in her display of support, highlighting the divisions and sensitivities that continue to shape public discourse around the conflict.
Elsewhere in Germany, October 7 brought its own series of challenges and newsworthy events. In Bavaria, a chemical reaction at an industrial facility in Mainaschaff released a yellow gas cloud over Aschaffenburg, prompting authorities to issue an emergency alert. Residents were urged to stay indoors and seal their homes, but the warning was later lifted as the situation came under control.
Tragedy struck in Herdecke, where the newly elected mayor, Iris Stalzer, was found seriously injured from multiple stab wounds in her apartment. According to police statements cited by regional broadcaster WDR, there were no indications of a political motive, and a family connection was suspected. Stalzer, who had just secured 52.2% of the vote in the recent runoff, remained in life-threatening condition as police continued their investigation. Chancellor Merz took to social media to call the attack a "heinous act" and expressed hope for Stalzer's recovery.
Meanwhile, the German economy continued to show signs of strain. Federal statistics agency Destatis reported a fourth consecutive monthly decline in industrial orders, with a 0.8% drop in August 2025. LBBW bank analyst Jens-Oliver Niklasch told AFP, "The figures highlight the economy's bumpy road in all its ugliness. After a slight upward trend in the spring, the downturn is now back." Despite Chancellor Merz's promises of increased infrastructure and defense spending, criticism has grown over the slow pace of economic recovery. Leading economic institutes now forecast a meager 0.2% growth for 2025, calling for urgent structural reforms.
Debate also raged within Germany's political establishment over the responsibility for drone defense. As recent drone-related disruptions at airports like Munich highlighted gaps in preparedness, CDU/CSU lawmakers questioned whether the federal government or regional states should take the lead. Steffen Bilger, a senior CDU/CSU figure, suggested that "certain divisions of powers between the Bund and the Länder don't really match up when it comes to threats to internal security." Yet, as legal scholar Verena Jackson explained to Tagesschau, the German military is barred by the constitution from shooting down drones domestically except in scenarios akin to full-scale war.
In the realm of judicial affairs, President Steinmeier presided over the swearing-in of three new Federal Constitutional Court judges—Ann-Katrin Kaufhold, Sigrid Emmenegger, and Günter Spinner. Their appointments came after a contentious summer in which the nomination of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf sparked a rift within the ruling coalition over her views on abortion and COVID-19 vaccination.
Finally, the question of retirement age loomed large, with prominent politicians like Jens Spahn suggesting that, as Germans live longer, the retirement age may need to rise to 67 by 2030-31, and perhaps even to 70 in the next decade. While the debate is far from settled, it underscores the demographic and economic pressures facing Germany as it navigates a rapidly changing world.
On a day marked by remembrance, division, and debate, Germany's challenges—both old and new—were on full display. The nation continues to grapple with the legacy of its past, the realities of its present, and the uncertainties of its future.
