For the first time in over 50 years, the sitting German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has given a speech to the combined houses of the US Congress. The last time this happened was when Konrad Adenauer spoke to Congress way back in 1957.
Speaking first auf Englisch, and then reverting to German, Merkel thanked the US for its role in helping create the political climate which ultimately led to the fall of the wall ("der Mauersturz"). Interestingly enough, and in an obvious nod to another period, she noted that November 9 was also the date of Kristallnacht in 1938 which many feel was the true beginning of the Holocaust.
She noted the American efforts behind the Berlin Airlift and the leadership exhibited by the US as strong allies of Germany. Quite notably, she specifically mentioned the necessity to help maintain Israel's security and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. "Wer Israel bedroht, bedroht auch uns" - "What threatens Israel, threatens us all".
Speaking first auf Englisch, and then reverting to German, Merkel thanked the US for its role in helping create the political climate which ultimately led to the fall of the wall ("der Mauersturz"). Interestingly enough, and in an obvious nod to another period, she noted that November 9 was also the date of Kristallnacht in 1938 which many feel was the true beginning of the Holocaust.
She noted the American efforts behind the Berlin Airlift and the leadership exhibited by the US as strong allies of Germany. Quite notably, she specifically mentioned the necessity to help maintain Israel's security and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. "Wer Israel bedroht, bedroht auch uns" - "What threatens Israel, threatens us all".
I found the headline in die Zeit, "Merkel dankt USA für Wiedervereinigung" a bit interesting. It translates as "Merkel thanks the USA for reunification" and that seems just a bit over the top - especially for a German language article, but maybe that's just a layout editor's journalistic license showing.
