The German president noted that forty years have elapsed since the end of the Second World War and that twenty years have passed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the Federal Republic of Germany. He stated that the existence of Israel is of particular concern to all Germans. He also added that he would visit Israel in the fall of 1985. Text:
Dear Mr. President,
The date 12 May 1985 marks the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Israel and the Federal Republic of Germany. At the same time, 40 years have passed since 8 May 1945, the day when the National Socialist regime in Germany came to an end, and freedom from degradation and the threat of death was granted to the few who had survived the concentration camps.
The Federal Republic, as the continuation of Germany, has always recognized the responsibility weighing upon it due to the crimes perpetrated in its name. At the same time, we are grateful to some Germans who, against those terrible events and despite -the danger, aided their Jewish fellow countrymen, displaying humanity and a determined will for sacrifice. Their memory has served as a bridge upon which Germans and Jews could once again meet.
Over time, innumerable meetings have been held between young people, along with visits/by former Jewish citizens, and these have proved vital foundations for building a bridge of trust. In Germany, particularly in Berlin, communities of German Jewish citizens have reorganized. The strength of the faith in the future expressed by this step places a heavy burden of responsibility on all the state authorities.
Our two countries are linked by common values deriving from our cultural heritages. These values include the dignity of the individual, fundamental human rights, the concepts of law and liberty, parliamentary democracy, and religious tolerance. These common values are the foundation of the bridge of human trust and understanding between us.
The existence of Israel is of particular concern to all Germans. From the beginning, the German Federal Republic supported Israel's right to live within secure and recognized borders. This aspiration continues. Guaranteeing Israel's existence is dependent on the possibility of finding - via a permanent solution of the Arab-Israeli conflict - genuine peace for the region, which will, not pass over any element and which will bring about a just settlement of the opposing positions. Such a peace cannot be established by force; it requires understanding and mutual readiness for compromise by all the parties involved. Insofar as this is possible from afar, my country is always ready to promote any effort to achieve such an accord in the Middle East region.
In reply to our invitation, I shall visit Israel in the coming autumn. This will be the first visit by a German head of state to your country. My wife and I have already visited your country several times, in various circumstances, and we look forward to the opportunity to return and to strengthen our ties with Israel. The anticipated state visit, together with regular visits by statesmen of both countries, underline the trustful political contacts which have developed between Israel and the Federal Republic of Germany and have become an accomplished fact. We value these contacts and shall expand them.
The courage for renewed reconciliation is alone what enabled diplomatic relations to be established between Israel and the Federal Republic of Germany twenty years ago. Today we can point to a balance full of achievements. Many people of goodwill on both sides have worked to achieve this goal.
I send you my greetings and look forward happily to my visit, in the hope that this visit will move us forward along the path leading from the painful past to a coexistence full of trust and fruitful contacts between our two peoples.
Sincerely,
Richard von Weizsaecker