The famous Weizmann Institute in Israel has a former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) was awarded an honorary doctorate. In this way, their “unprecedented contribution to global diplomacy and international partnerships” will be recognized, the agency announced in the evening. The reason for the award was also due to his “solidarity and friendship with Israel” as well as his “persistent fight against anti-Semitism,” the statement continued.
Under Merkel’s leadership, Germany has improved its relations Israel deepened significantly and military assistance expanded. The institute praised the former Chancellor for playing “an important role in stabilizing the economy during the euro crisis”.
The Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, south of Tel Aviv, is one of the best scientific research institutions in the world. During Merkel’s farewell visit to Israel as Chancellor in 2021, a scholarship was named after her. Merkel said that Israel’s security was the reason for German statehood.
During the recent war between Israel and Iran in June, the Weizmann Institute was hit by two Iranian missiles. The bullet caused serious damage there. According to the agency, a total of 112 buildings on campus were affected, including 65 research buildings. Important research facilities were destroyed and the results of decades of scientific work were destroyed. According to information, losses are estimated to be equivalent to around 530 million euros.
A meeting with Netanyahu was not planned
It is not yet known what other appointments Merkel will attend in Israel. However, at the request of the German Press Agency, his spokesman said a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not planned. During his stay in Hungary, the former CDU leader recently unexpectedly met with Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Due to the trip to Israel, Merkel canceled her participation in Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s 70th birthday celebrations on Tuesday.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251110-930-275027/1
