The Jewish Community of Berlin is pleased over the appointment of the new German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, who in his acceptance address said, �I entered politics because of Auschwitz�.

He is known to be a friend of the Jews and the Rav of Berlin�s community, HaRav Yehuda Teichtal. This past Chanukah he asked to be permitted to take part in the community�s Chanukah celebration a short time after a stormy anti-Israel protest to show his unwavering authentic support for Israel and the Jewish People.

Maas also spoke of plans to make a visit to Israel soon, sending another message of his commitment to support Israel and Berlin�s Jewish community alike.

(YWN Israel Desk � Jerusalem)