Florists in Birkenau Germany

German envoy 'horrified and ashamed' anti-Semitism still persists after Shoah - The Times of Israel

German occupation and the barbaric crimes Germans committed on its soil,” and that Germany assumes full responsibility for the atrocities committed in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. Turning to bilateral issues, Wasum-Rainer reiterated Chancellor Angela Merkel’s 2008 statement about Israel’s security being part of Germany’s raison d’etre. “The governments of Angela Merkel considerably enhanced cooperation in the defense sector and in areas of strategic importance for Israel, like for instance the purchase of submarines by Israel,” she said. An Israeli Dolphin submarine at the shipyards in Kiel, northern Germany (photo credit: AP/Philipp Guelland) “I want to assure you that any future German government regardless of its political composition will always cherish our special relations with Israel.” However, she largely evaded questions about policy disagreements between Berlin and Jerusalem, such as her country’s generally pro-Palestinian voting pattern at the United Nations and its refusal to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital or to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Here is a full transcript of our email interview. The Times of Israel: This week the world is marking 75 years since the end of the Holocaust. How is the public in Germany marking this date? Are ordinary Germans aware of it, are there public discussions on guilt and repentance, on rising anti-Semitism? Susanne Wasum-Rainer: January 27, 1945, the date of liberation of the former concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, was designated in Germany Day of Remembrance for the Victims of National Socialism in 1996 and was declared International Holocaust Remembrance Day by the UN in 2005. The Holocaust Remembrance Day attracts great attention in Germany, every year and this year in particular. The 75th anniversary of the day of liberation will be marked in Germany by the Government, the Bundestag, by many institutions, communities, schools and civil society. There will be thousands of commemoration ceremonies in the whole country. Also, many German embassies all around the world will organize or join commemoration ceremonies, often together with their Israeli counterparts. To serve in Israel is considered a particular privilege by all members of the German diplomatic service On January 29, at the commemoration ceremony of the German Bundestag both, President [Reuven] Rivlin and President [Frank-Walter] Steinmeier will deliver a speech. It is the first time that the presidents of our two countries will speak at that same occasion. In light of the atrocities and crimes perpetrated by the Nazi regime we consider the presence of the Israeli president for a joint commemoration ceremony a most generous and moving gesture for which we are deeply grateful. The presence of the president of Israel in Berlin shows how much the relations between our countries have grown. Today they are characterized by trust and friendship. Two days before the commemoration ceremonies in Germany our two presidents will participate together at the commemoration in Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, on January 27. And President Steinmeier has the great honor to be invited as guest and as speaker to the Fifth World Holocaust Forum that will take place in Yad Vashem on January 23. In December, Chancellor Merkel visited Auschwitz-Birkenau on the invitation of the Foundation Auschwitz-Birkenau. Germany committed 60 million Euros to the conservation of the former camp as a memorial site. The chancellor underlined the importance to always remember and never forget. German Chancellor Angela Merkelat at the main railway entrance to Birkenau as she visits the former...https://www.timesofisrael.com/german-envoy-horrified-and-ashamed-anti-semitism-still-persists-after-shoah/

Roma lay flowers at Auschwitz gas chamber

Representatives of the Association of Roma in Poland laid flowers on Wednesday at the remains of crematorium V at the former Nazi German Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in southern Poland. On the day before International Roma Genocide Remembrance Day, they paid tribute to their murdered ancestors. Association President Roman Kwiatkowski pointed out that 74 years ago, on the night of August 2, 1944, the Germans liquidated the the so-called 'Gypsy Family Camp' at Auschwitz-Birkenau. In all, 2897 Roma men, women and children were put to death in the gas chamber.The main Remembrance Day anniversary ceremonies will begin on Thursday afternoon on the territory of the former 'gypsy camp' at Birkenau. Among those in attendance will be surviving German Roma Rita Prigmore, Polish Deputy Prime Minister Beata Szydło and EU Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic as well as representatives of the Roma communities of European countries, and diplomats.The Roma constituted the number-three group by number transported to Auschwitz, after Jews and Poles. They were transported to the death camp from...https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/roma-lay-flowers-at-auschwitz-gas-chamber-1464

Warnings of rising xenophobia, hatred on International Holocaust Remembrance Day - Salt Lake Tribune

Warsaw, Poland • Jewish and Christian leaders prayed over the ruins of gas chambers at Auschwitz-Birkenau as some warned on International Holocaust Remembrance Day of rising xenophobic hatred against Jews, Muslims and others. Camp survivors gathered Friday with political leaders and representatives of Poland's Jewish community at the site where Germany murdered about 1.1 million people during World War II, mostly Jews from across Europe, but also Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war and others.Poland's Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, who is from the Polish town where the Auschwitz memorial and museum is located, Oswiecim, recalled the "destruction of humanity" and the "ocean of lost lives and hopes" that resulted from the German genocide. "It's an open wound that may close sometimes, but it shall never be fully healed and it must not be forgotten," she said. Dozens of Auschwitz survivors began a day of commemorations by placing wreaths and flowers at the infamous execution wall on the 72nd anniversary of the camp's liberation by Soviet soldiers.The United Nations recognized Jan. 27 a...http://www.sltrib.com/home/4871053-155/warnings-of-rising-xenophobia-on-holocaust

Warnings of rising xenophobia on Holocaust remembrance day - Daily Mail

Associated PressPublished: 10:00 EDT, 27 January 2017 Updated: 10:01 EDT, 27 January 2017 WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Jewish and Christian leaders prayed over the ruins of gas chambers at Auschwitz-Birkenau as some warned on International Holocaust Remembrance Day of rising xenophobic hatred against Jews, Muslims and others.Camp survivors gathered Friday with political leaders and representatives of Poland's Jewish community at the site where Germany murdered about 1.1 million people during World War II, mostly Jews from across Europe, but also Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war and others.Poland's Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, who is from the Polish town where the Auschwitz memorial and museum is located, Oswiecim, recalled the "destruction of humanity" and the "ocean of lost lives and hopes" that resulted from the German genocide.Holocaust survivors light candles at the International Monument to the Victims of Fascism, after a ceremony marking the 72nd anniversary of the liberation of the German Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, in Oswiecim, Poland, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, on the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)"It's an open wound that may clo...http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-4163350/Elderly-survivors-visit-Auschwitz-72-years-liberation.html

Shirley A. Grover – Cedar Rapids,formerly Independence – Mix 94.7 KMCH - kmch.com

In her quiet time, she enjoyed reading and flowers. Mrs. Grover is survived by 2 sons, Mike (Vicky) Grover of Cedar Rapids and Mark (Jason Hesse) Grover of Coralville, Iowa, 2 daughters, Patricia (Keith) Grover of Mountain View, California, and Beth (Danny) Hinde of Cedar Rapids, 2 grandchildren, Travis Grover and Josh Hinde, and 4 great granddaughters. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and 1 brother, Paul. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2020, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence. Rev. David Beckman will be the Celebrant. Burial will be in Rowley Cemetery in Rowley. Friends may call for visitation from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23rd , at the White Funeral Home in Independence. On line condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com. ...https://kmch.com/blog/2020/01/21/shirley-a-grover-cedar-rapidsformerly-independence/

The perfect destination foHere is why Germany is the perfect destination for your next holidayr your holiday! Discover nature in Germany - Emirates Woman

Alps are characterised by green trees and extensive forests.Rhön UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: at the corner of the three German states, Bavaria, Hesse and ThuringiaThe Rhôn hills are located in the heart of Germany and offer a wide range of beautiful views! And if you are a fan of athletic activities, you can try gliding, water sports, and indulge in a spot of star gazing.Jasmund National Park Mecklenburg-Western Pomeraniait takes you right along the cliffs and features enough natural treasures for several holidays. White chalk cliffs, lush beech forests and the shimmering blue of the sea. You’ll catch sight of a rare white-tailed eagle circling in the skies, while far below a thousand different species of beetle scuttle through the undergrowth in this landscape of contrasts.Black Forest National Park, Baden-Württemberg, South GermanyPerfect for cleansing your lungs. The remarkable feature of this national park is that some areas have been able to develop for more than 100 years without human intervention. This means that all the animals and plants that are found here live in authentic, natural surroundings.You can use Deutsche Bahn trains all over Germany, where it uses 100% green energy. In addition, you can take the InterCity Express for a unique experience, as it is a high-speed train that connects all major cities in Germany with speeds of up to 300 km / hour, and this is one of the fastest ways to reach between Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne!Check out their Instagram: GermanyTourismAr, and Facebook: Germany Tourism Arabia– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook Media: Supplied...https://emirateswoman.com/germany/

MALHEUR MOVERS: Vale native builds business to make community blossom - malheurenterprise.com

El Campo was once a routine happening in Vale but it declined over time and eventually disappeared. Rodriguez said she remembered going to the carnival as a child and linked up with Todd and Kale Hesse to revive the event.“It was time for our generation to pick it up,” said Rodriguez.Rodriguez said creating small coalitions within the community is crucial. Rodriguez said while she is involved with the community, she is just one of a large number of people who strive to make Vale a great place to live.“These community events only go on because of volunteers,” said Rodriguez. “We are surrounded by a lot of people in this community who like to give.”Rodriguez said her civic involvement can trace its roots to her youth, where she watched members of the community step up and help on a regular basis. Plus, she said, Vale has been good to her.“The community has been amazing to me,” said Rodriguez.Rodriguez and her husband, TJ, both aim to ensure their children, Thomas, Zettie, Tristan and Trent, learn how to give back to their town.Good role models, said Rodriguez, are important. “My parents, they were always giving,” said Rodriguez.The best part of her life and her business, said Rodriguez, is the people.“I get to meet some amazing people and I can go home and be blessed,” said Rodriguez.She said she also likes the variety her shop generates.“Every day there is something very interesting, every day is different,” she said.Letting people down on their orders is her worst fear, said Rodriguez.“That’s hard for me,” she said.Rodriguez said she likes her role as a local businesswoman and a volunteer.“I feel I have to do my job and if that (volunteering) is my job in this world while I am here, I will take that job,” said Rodriguez.News tip? Contact reporter Pat Caldwell: pat@malheurenterprise.com or 541-473-3377. For the latest news, follow the Enterprise on Facebook and Twitter.SUBSCRIBE TO HELP PRODUCE VITAL REPORTING -- For $5 a month, you get breaking news alerts, emailed newsletters and around-the-clock access to our stories. We depend on subscribers to pay for in-depth, accurate news produced by a professional and highly trained staff. Help us grow and get better with your subscription. Sign up HERE. ...https://www.malheurenterprise.com/posts/6546/malheur-movers-vale-native-builds-business-to-make-community-blossom

Berlin moves to greatly reduce ‘solidarity tax’ for eastern Germany - Euronews

We'd better invest this money in education and climate protection."Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel, parliamentary party and state leader of the SPD in Hesse, also supports Scholz.What is the Soli tax?The solidarity surcharge was introduced in 1991, to help reconstruction of the east following the reunification of Germany in the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall.The tax was originally supposed to be in place only for a limited time but became permanent in 1995.Initially, the solidarity rate was 7.5%, but since 1995 it has been 5.5%. In addition, the surcharge has been unlimited since 1995.Contrary to some assumptions, taxpayers in the west and east have to pay the tax.According to the Ministry of Finance, in 2018 the German state received €18.9 billion as a result.Criticism of the billAccording to the Ministry of Finance, single people with an annual gross income of up to €73,874 would not have to pay anything. From €109,451 gross annual wages, the full supplement would have to be paid.Accordingly, a family with two children and an annual income of €221,375 or more would have to pay the full solidarity surcharge. Families earning less than €151,990 gross would be exempt from the solidarity surcharge.If the draft is adopted, German citizens would then have to pay around €10 billion less in tax.Criticism comes from parties outside the coalition. Katja Kipping of Die Linke said that the CDU/CSU and SPD were making politics for the rich with their proposal.FDP General Secretary Linda Teuteberg wrote on Twitter: "The Soli is unconstitutional for everyone from 2020. So it must also be abolished for everyone. Our constitution also applies to those who in reality want tax increases, and there you have to choose the normal procedures and not the back door."Many citizens on social networks are also outraged by the fact that they still have to pay the solidarity surcharge. "The solidarity surcharge was introduced in 1991 for a limited period of one year. I believed that," wrote a user on Twitter.https://www.euronews.com/2019/08/13/berlin-moves-to-greatly-reduce-solidarity-tax-for-eastern-germany