Former German Chancellor Merkel receives honorary doctorate from Israel

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who bid farewell to active politics in December 2021, has received an honorary doctorate from Israel. At a ceremony held in Israel this evening, the Weizmann Institute of Science awarded the honorary doctorate to Merkel in recognition of her unique contributions to global diplomacy and international partnerships, her solidarity and friendship with Israel, and her resolute fight against antisemitism.

The Weizmann Institute of Science had previously named one of its scholarships after Merkel during her visit to Israel before she left office in 2021. During that visit, Merkel had stated that Israel's security was a matter of German national interest.

Merkel had announced that she would not be able to attend the 70th birthday celebrations of Friedrich Merz on Tuesday, November 11, due to her trip to Israel.