Germany provides financial support for kibbutz reconstruction
Germany will provide financial support for the reconstruction of communities destroyed by Hamas in Israel. During a visit to Kibbutz Beeri, which was attacked by terrorists on October 7, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced on Monday that, on his initiative, the Bundestag would provide seven million euros for the site in 2024. This will be used to finance the reconstruction of a cultural center and a meeting center for senior citizens in Beeri.
"It is far too early to think about reconstruction now," said Steinmeier. However, many people were already thinking about returning. "Beeri and the many other kibuzzim deserve not only to be part of Israeli history, but above all to be part of Israel's future." That is why Germany is determined to help with the reconstruction so that the residents of Beeri have a future. Young people from Germany, for example trainees in the skilled trades, should also be involved.
Israel has the dream of rebuilding the kibbutz and the entire area, said Israeli President Izchak Herzog. "We are coming back. We will rebuild these places. They will flourish."
Kibbutz Beeri, which was co-founded by German Jews, is located in the immediate vicinity of the Gaza Strip. Hamas terrorists almost completely destroyed it. More than 130 of the approximately 1,300 inhabitants were killed and more than 50 were abducted. Among them were people who had German citizenship as well as Israeli citizenship. The surviving residents were accommodated at a site on the Dead Sea.
Visit under the highest security precautions
Islamist terrorists from the Gaza Strip had invaded Israel on October 7 and killed more than 1,200 people. Around 240 hostages were abducted, including several Germans. Israel responded with massive air strikes, a blockade of the Gaza Strip and began a ground offensive at the end of October.
Both presidents visited the kibbutz under the highest security precautions, wearing bulletproof vests. Steinmeier, who was accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender, expressed his shock after visiting the destroyed settlement. Of course, people in Germany had seen many pictures and heard many news reports after October 7. "We had an idea of the brutality with which Hamas acted here. But being here in this place is something completely different."
In the afternoon, Steinmeier visited the Auguste-Viktoria Hospital in East Jerusalem, which was founded by Germans during the German Empire. Steinmeier said that he had brought with him the promise that Germany would support the hospital with one million euros in the coming year. "This is hopefully help that will reach the sick and those receiving treatment." According to its own information, the hospital is currently treating 99 patients and their companions from the Gaza Strip who are unable to return there due to the war. Among other things, it specializes in cancer.
- Amidst international concerns over the ongoing conflicts in the region, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier advocated for Germany's involvement in the reconstruction of Kibbutz Beeri, which was severely damaged during a war involving Hamas.
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated that Germany's financial aid, amounting to seven million euros in 2024, would contribute to the reconstruction of a cultural center and a senior citizen community center in Kibbutz Beeri, showing support for its future integrity.
- Recognizing the historical and cultural significance of the kibbutz, which was co-founded by German Jews, Steinmeier urged for the involvement of young Germans, such as trainees in skilled trades, in the reconstruction process, signifying a collective international commitment towards peaceful resolutions to the conflicts.
Source: www.dpa.com
