Germany’s Christmas Markets Reopen Amid Heightened Security Concerns—What This Means for America

As the familiar festive sights and scents of Germany’s traditional Christmas markets reemerge this holiday season, they do so shadowed by a stark reality: the threat of terrorism remains ever-present. From Berlin's historic Gedächtniskirche to Cologne's bustling cathedral square, vendors and visitors are determined to preserve cherished customs despite lingering fears. Security has been visibly ramped up across the country in response to recent violent attacks that have stained these public celebrations. The brutal car-ramming incident in Magdeburg just last year resulted in six deaths, while the devastating 2016 attack at Berlin’s market claimed thirteen lives. These tragedies are not...