Germany Consul General Reaches Out To Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz

This morning, New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) received a letter of thanks from the Consul General of Germany. The letter, written by Dr. Hans-Jürgen Heimsoeth, condemns a recent incident of a German Army instructor ordered a soldier to imagine himself facing hostile Blacks from The Bronx while firing his machine gun. The soldier has been dismissed, lost his rank and salary.

According to the letter, "It contradicts the training standards of the German Army. Not only in the Ministry of Defense, but also the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces pointed out that this was an isolated incident." The letter also expressed Dr. Heimsoeth’s personal relationship with The Bronx as a young student, and his hope to meet with Senator Diaz later this month.

In response to the letter, Senator Rev. Diaz, a Member of the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs stated, "I appreciate the efforts of the German Consulate to work with me and organizations in my community, such as the Legacy Coalition, to build strong race relations and fight efforts of certain people who try to divide us."

For further information, please contact Senator Diaz’s Chief of Staff, Ms. Camella Price at 646/382-5204.