October 7, 2025, marks two years to the day since the Palestinian militant group launched its deadly cross-border raid on Israel, killing over 1,200 people, taking another 251 hostage, and prompting a on the that has since seen more than 67,000 Palestinians killed and the enclave effectively razed to the ground.
As one of Israel’s staunchest backers, a stance that can be explained largely by ‘s historical responsibility for the Holocaust, Berlin has remained steadfast in its support for Israel — even if criticism of the far-right Israeli government and the conduct of the Israeli military in Gaza has grown steadily louder.
Nevertheless, a series of events are taking place across Germany today to commemorate the attack on October 7, 2023, described as a “day of darkness” by German Foreign Minister ().
At 5:29 a.m. (6:29 a.m. in ), the precise time at which the Hamas attack began, the names of the victims were read out at the iconic Brandenburg Gate in , where 1,000 empty chairs have also been laid out as a symbol of remembrance.
Various commemorative events will take place in cities across Germany, including in the eastern city of Leipzig where German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will speak to members of the local Jewish community.
Back in Berlin, Julia Klöckner, the president of the German parliament, the Bundestag, a position comparable to a parliamentary speaker abroad, will address relatives of some of the victims before opening an Israeli art exhibition.
After sunset in Berlin at around 7 p.m., the phrase “Bring them now now” will be projected onto the Brandenburg Gate — referring to the 47 Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas, around 20 of whom are still believed to be alive.
In addition to commemorative gatherings, several demonstrations are also planned in cities including Berlin and Frankfurt which will highlight the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
The post Germany news: October 7 commemorations held across country appeared first on Deutsche Welle.
