Israeli government convenes for first time in Berlin for symbolic visit celebrating ties

[StarfarerBill]

By Aron Heller, the Associated Press/CBC

BERLIN - Israel's government convened for the first time in Berlin, the former heart of the Nazi regime, for a special joint session with the German government highlighting the nations' bond six decades after the Holocaust.

High on the agenda Monday will be Germany's push to win the release of a captive Israeli soldier held by Hamas militants and its efforts to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. Environmental issues, economic co-operation and efforts to restart the Middle East peace process are also to be discussed.

The historic trip was originally scheduled for late November, but was put off at the last moment when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fell ill with a viral infection and a light fever.

"We assign great importance to this good relationship with Germany," Netanyahu told his Cabinet on Sunday. "It has far-reaching implications for Israel's economy, for Israel's policies, for our political struggle in the world and for Israel's security."

Israel was established three years after the end of World War II. Since then, Germany has paid $39.4 billion in compensation to Holocaust survivors in Israel, some 250,000 of whom are still alive.

Some Israelis still refuse to buy German-made goods or visit Germany.

But since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1965, Germany has become perhaps Israel's strongest ally in Europe.

More:
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/world/100118/w011847A.html

[henank]

1. If I were the journalist I would have edited

the second-last line of what you posted to read "Some Jews still refuse to buy German made goods or visit Germany". It applies to very many non-Israeli members of my family and community who do not live in Israel. It does not only apply to Israel.