It was with mixed feelings that I attended the Berlin rally on Sunday. It took place at the Brandenburg Gate where, just over 80 years ago, Adolf Hitler led victory celebrations on becoming chancellor. Now it was home to a rally organised by World Jewish Congress and the Central Council of Jews in Germany.
The demonstration was attended and addressed by the great and good of modern Germany and I felt a surge of confidence as a European Jew when it began with a passionate speech by the head of the Central Council denouncing antisemitism as a problem not just for Jews but for all decent citizens.
The most dramatic point, however, was a speech by Chancellor Angela Merkel, who refuted the claim that Jewry in Europe has no future. She reiterated her belief in the fundamental role that the Jewish community has played and will play in German life.
Coming over as softer but more passionate than her public image suggests, she denounced antisemitism with a passion that was patent.
She described her country's Jewish community as a treasure which should always be valued.
She pointed out that banners saying that Hitler was right had clearly nothing to do with the conflict in the Middle East: they were about Jew-hatred.
The event was concluded with an address by Ronald Lauder, President of the WJC, denouncing all forms of racism. One could not fail to be moved.
The response from the political elite in Germany was sensational, but that from the masses less so. We are not the only victims of hate and our cause is that of all decent people who will be caught out if it is not fought. Occasions like Sunday give one greater confidence that Europe's leaders will stand firm, although whether this will enough to reassure the Jews of Europe, only time will tell.
Vivian Wineman is President of the Board of Deputies
