"Am Israel Chai - Israel lives!" - Bergische Oberbürgermeister express solidarity with Israel
A silent vigil will take place in Solingen on October 14, 2023, to show solidarity with Israel after recent attacks. The event follows a series of rocket strikes on Ness Ziona, Solingen’s twin city, and a broader wave of violence that has left over a thousand people dead or taken hostage. Local leaders and community groups have come together to organise the gathering at Walter-Scheel-Platz in front of the town hall at 8:00 PM.
The attacks began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale assault on Israel. The violence has resulted in widespread casualties and the taking of hostages, prompting international reactions. In response, several German cities have shown support by raising the Israeli flag.
In Solingen, the vigil is being jointly organised by the City of Solingen, the Working Group of Christian Churches, and the Friends of Ness Ziona Association. The event aims to stand in solidarity with those affected by the conflict. Meanwhile, the mayors of Solingen, Remscheid, and Wuppertal have announced that the Israeli flag will fly from October 10 to October 16, 2023, as a symbol of unity. Elsewhere, Berlin’s governing mayor, Kai Wegner, raised the Israeli flag at the Red Town Hall on October 7, 2023, in solidarity with Israel and the hostages. The flag remained until December 2, 2025. Similarly, Bergisch Gladbach’s mayor, Frank Stein, hoisted the flag at the historic town hall on the first anniversary of the attacks, October 7, 2024.
The vigil in Solingen reflects a broader wave of support across German cities. Flags have been raised, and public gatherings have been organised to express solidarity with Israel. The events follow a period of intense violence that has left many dead and others held captive since October 2023.
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