Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has expressed outrage at the increased security measures for Jewish institutions in the country following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Speaking at a solidarity rally in Berlin, Steinmeier called on attendees to stand against antisemitism and emphasized Germany's particular responsibility to protect Jewish lives due to the Holocaust. He condemned all attacks against Jewish residents and institutions in Germany. The country has witnessed both pro-Israel and pro-Gaza protests, some of which included antisemitic slogans.

Steinmeier's remarks come as thousands of people gathered in Berlin to demonstrate opposition to antisemitism and support for Israel. The rise in antisemitic incidents in Germany following the escalation of the conflict in Gaza has sparked concern. Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed outrage at the spread of antisemitic agitation and emphasized the importance of the vow of "never again" in the face of such hatred. He spoke at the inauguration of a new synagogue in Dessau, a city in eastern Germany that saw its previous synagogue destroyed by the Nazis 85 years ago.

Both Scholz and Steinmeier denounced the Hamas attack on Israeli civilians while expressing concern for Palestinian civilians affected by the conflict. They emphasized the need to address the fallout of the conflict at home and to protect and strengthen Jewish life in Germany. Security has been increased for Jewish institutions in Berlin and throughout the country. This has come in response to incidents such as the throwing of Molotov cocktails at a synagogue in Berlin and the defacement of buildings with the Star of David symbol.