Germany and Israel established diplomatic relations on May 12, 1965, marking a historic milestone after the horrors of the Holocaust. The foundation for this relationship was laid in 1952 with the Luxembourg Agreement, in which Germany acknowledged its responsibility for the Shoah and committed to reparations. A key moment came in 1960 with the meeting between Konrad Adenauer and David Ben-Gurion, which paved the way for formal diplomatic ties.
Over the decades, the relationship has grown into a close friendship that extends far beyond politics. Civil society plays a major role, with strong cooperation in youth exchange, culture, science, education, sports, and town twinning. Initiatives such as the German-Israeli Future Forum and the Minerva Foundation continue to deepen this partnership.
Germany sees Israel’s security and the fight against antisemitism as central pillars of its foreign policy. In 2025, the two countries are celebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of German-Israeli youth exchange with a wide range of events. These include educational and cultural initiatives, youth programs, civil society exchanges, delegation visits, exhibitions, and joint concerts in Berlin and Tel Aviv.
