The German government honours Dr Herbert Stefan Stern Díaz with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany

• Germany honoured Dr Herbert Stefan Stern Díaz for his career as a doctor, academic and historian and for strengthening the ties between Germany and the Dominican Republic.

Santo Domingo, 30 June 2026. The Federal Republic of Germany honoured Dr Herbert Stefan Stern Díaz with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, in recognition of his extraordinary career as a doctor, academic and historian, and of his commitment to preserving historical memory and strengthening the ties between Germany and the Dominican Republic.

The decoration was presented by Serap Güler, Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office, during a ceremony held at the Dominican-German Centre, attended by the German ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Maike Friedrichsen, members of the diplomatic corps, national authorities, members of the Jewish community, special guests and the family of the honoree.

The distinction recognises a life devoted to service, professional excellence and to building understanding between Germany and the Dominican Republic. Throughout his career, Dr Stern has made important contributions in medicine, research, teaching and the preservation of historical memory, becoming a point of reference for dialogue between the two nations.

In her remarks, Minister of State Serap Güler stressed that Dr Stern’s legacy goes beyond his profession and has contributed significantly to strengthening historical knowledge, dialogue and understanding between Germany and the Dominican Republic.

“Thanks to his work, countless Dominicans have been able to better understand the history of the Jewish people, the Holocaust and Germany’s responsibility for the crimes committed under the National Socialist regime. At the same time, he has helped project a modern and balanced image of Germany as a democratic nation committed to memory, responsibility and human dignity.”

Ambassador Maike Friedrichsen, for her part, said the decoration recognises an exceptional career marked by commitment, generosity and the building of bridges between peoples and cultures.

“Over the years, Dr Herbert Stern has contributed significantly to preserving the memory of Jewish immigration in the Dominican Republic and to strengthening the ties between Germany, the Dominican Jewish community and Israel. He has always done so from a position of dialogue, closeness and bridge-building.”

On receiving the decoration, Dr Herbert Stefan Stern Díaz thanked those present for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to historical memory and to serving society.

“I have devoted part of my work as a historian of medicine to rescuing and documenting that memory, because I firmly believe that peoples who remember their past are better prepared to build their future. That the German government should recognise that work today confirms that memory, when it is honest, does not divide: it reconciles.”

An ophthalmologist, academic and historian, Dr Herbert Stefan Stern Díaz has built a distinguished professional and academic career spanning more than four decades. In recognition of his contributions to medical science, the Dominican Medical Association awarded him the title of Master of Dominican Medicine, one of the highest distinctions the profession grants. He has also maintained a close collaboration with the German Embassy in Santo Domingo, providing medical care to German citizens and diplomatic staff, and standing out for his dedication to service, his availability and his commitment.

About the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany

The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, established in 1951 by Federal President Theodor Heuss, is the highest general distinction awarded by the German state. It recognises people who have made exceptional contributions to the common good and to strengthening relations between Germany and other countries in the political, economic, scientific, cultural, social or humanitarian spheres.