Merkel visits Auschwitz for the first time

German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the former Nazi camp in Auschwitz on Friday, for the first time in her 14 years as Chancellor.

Merkel's visit takes place at a time when Germany is marking a revival of anti-Semitism and an increase in right-wing elements. Merkel is the third German Chancellor to visit the former camp in Poland.

Its journey is extremely symbolic, as it takes place prior to marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of this camp from Soviet troops on January 27, 1945. On the eve of her trip, Merkel said the “fight against anti-Semiticism and against all forms of hatred” was the priority for her government.

The 65-year-old also promised “relocation” by the government to enable Jewish lives to flourish in Germany.

Merkel kept a minute of silence in the <x0 mor of Death”, where thousands of camp prisoners were shot dead.

During the visit, Merkel will also give a speech, as well as place a wreath of flowers in the former nearby Birkenau camp.

“Visita is an especially important signal of attention and solidarity, at a time when Auschwitz survivors are victims of anti-Semitic insults and social networking posts, which are filled with hatred”, said Christoph Heubner, deputy chairman of the International Committee of Auschwitz.

Ahead of her trip, Germany approved a 60m-euro donation to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.

Merkel will be accompanied by Polish Prime Minister Matthews Morawiecki and a camp survivor.

Joseph Schuster, head of Germany's Central Council of Hebrews and Ronald Lauder, head of the World Congress of Hebrews, will also attend the visit. One million Jews were killed in Auschwitz-Birkenau, along with 100,000 non-Hebrew Poles, prisoners of war by the former Soviet Union, Roma and other anti-Nazi fighters. /rel/