Angela Merkel this week became the first German Chancellor to address an American Jewish event, when she spoke at the American Jewish Committee’s 100th anniversary Gala.

Merkel, who was joined at the New York dinner by US President George W. Bush and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, used the high-profile appearance to showcase Germany’s commitment to fighting anti-Semitism.

The Chancellor told the 1,500-strong audience that the Holocaust made it Germany’s duty to combat anti-Semitism, racism and xenophobia. She also praised the AJC for building bridges between American Jews and her country.

’Through the Holocaust, Germany deprived itself of an important part of its cultural and intellectual identity,” Merkel said.

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Hamas

Merkel also underlined Germany’s foreign policy commitment to Israel.

She said Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and that Hamas must recognise Israel’s right to exist and renounce terrorism.

’The decision lies with Hamas,” Merkel said, adding that Germany will not relent on the importance of a safe, secure Israel - a commitment shared by German chancellors of the left and right since 1945.

Merkel’s decision to speak at the AJC event was widely welcomed within the Jewish community.

AJC director David Harris said the strides Germans and Jews have taken since the end of WWII had made his organisation “so eager” and “so determined” to invite Merkel to address the gala.

“I dare say that they could have hardly imagined that 100 years later we would be welcoming the elected leader of Germany as the keynote speaker for this auspicious occasion,” said AJC executive director David Harris.

German roots

The New York-based AJC has its roots in Germany. One of its founders, Jacob Schiff, was a German immigrant; the other, Louis Marshall, had German parents. It is one of the largest Jewish group in the US and aims to promote and safeguard the welfare of Jews throughout the world, fight anti-Semitism, and deepen ties between US and Israeli Jews.

“It is very symbolic to be invited to the 100-year anniversary," said Deidre Berger, head of the AJC’s Berlin office. "We are very aware of that. The appearance of the chancellor at this event is by no means considered a matter of course among American Jews.”

Merkel is seen by the AJC as a positive figure. Berger called her a "very dynamic politician, who is trying to get German-American relations back up on its feet."

The day after Merkel’s speech, the committee was to honour ex-Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer for his activities on behalf of Israel, among other things.