Xenophobia and Anti-Semitism in Modern Germany

Tuesday, March 22^nd: Blog Entry Number 5

Today’s formal theme was Xenophobia and Anti-Semitism in modern-day Germany. It was a long day, but we came out with a better perspective on both of these critical issues, which affect Jews throughout Germany and Europe.

Our day began at the Neue Synagogue, where we enjoyed Shabbat Services Friday. It was nice to return. We were able to view the exhibition, which featured artifacts from the original structure. These included Judaica, photos, and architectural elements. The synagogue was a glorious structure, Berlin’s largest, with 3,200 seats. The controversial architecture was taken from Moorish Spain, specifically the Ali Hambra. While the main sanctuary was badly damaged during the war, the front exterior has been restored, including the iconic dome, a Berlin landmark.

Following this, we began the series of formal presentations at the Centrum Judaicum, which is adjacent to the synagogue. The first speaker, Ralf Oberndorfer, gave an overview of the postwar efforts to bring the perpetrators of the Shoah to justice. We found it shocking that many former Nazis presided over the West German tribunals. And it would not be until the Auschwitz Trials in the 60’s that the Nazis were accused of genocide, as opposed to garden variety criminality.  Mr. Oberndorfer also commented that the Catholic Church helped many Nazis, including Adolf Eichmann, escape after Germany’s defeat. But because the Vatican will not open its archives, the world will never know the true extent of the church’s complicity.

After a brief break, we had the pleasure of hearing from Cornelia Schmalz-Jacobsen. She spoke about her personal efforts to combat right-wing extremism in modern-day Germany. Mrs. Jacobsen has faced tremendous resistance, receiving death threats and hate mail. Yet she continues to coordinate efforts to stifle the extremist threat. The most moving part of her presentation came during the question-and-answer session, when a participant asked about her parents’ designation as “Righteous Among the Nation” by Yad Vashem. She told us that they were instrumental in saving the lives of somewhere between 100-300 Jews during the Shoah. Her parents did not view this as a heroic act; rather, they saw it as the right thing to do. This moved us deeply and showed us how ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

After a delicious kosher lunch, the presentations resumed with Matthias Adrian. Participants were apprehensive going in, as Mr. Adrian was a former right-wing extremist. We learned how his beliefs fed off of his ignorance and how his parents  (and grandparents) encouraged his extremism through misinformation (such as Jews being responsible for the death of Jesus, justifying their suffering). Since he left the movement, Mr. Adrian has been involved with EXIT Deutschland, which helps reform political extremists. It is admirable that he committed himself to this organization. Related to this is the upcoming ADL Event featuring Frank Meeick, an American Neo-Nazi who has also left the movement. The stories of these two men shows that it is possible to change one’s ways and end hate.

Following a brief coffee break, we heard from Lev Liebeskind, representing the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research. The task force, started in 1998 in Sweden, includes 27 member countries. Participants were critical of Mr. Liebeskind’s discussion of the “Jewish Holocaust,” which excludes many other victim groups, including gays and the Roma & Sinti. Some also expressed skepticism that countries genuinely wish to be members of the task force, but are solely interested in publicity. For example, Turkey may view its membership as a way to divert attention from the Armenian genocide.

The final panel of the day included Toby Axelrod and Malte Holler, who discussed anti-semitic crime in Germany.  While hate speech is illegal in Germany, there it still exists in many regions. There is, however, much less physical violence than rhetoric. Mr. Holler develops programs to combat this anti-semitism and xenophobia. Ms. Axelrod affirmed that hate crimes are limited, at least in Berlin, and that Jewish life is doing well in the city. We applaud the educational efforts of both the panelists, which dovetail with those of the ADL.

Following this presentation, we left the Centrum Judaicum and returned to the hotel for a break. Dinner, at Café Organge, featured Wolker Beck, a member of Germany’s Green Party. Beyond conversing with us throughout, Mr. Beck offered formal remarks about three issues: (1) reparations for Shoah survivors; (2) LGBT issues; and (3) human rights. On the second point, Mr. Beck noted that Germany does not have hate crime laws, although courts can impose more severe punishments for targeted acts. We appreciated Mr. Beck’s time and candor.

After dinner, we returned to the hotel, well fed, but fatigued. Many packed and went to sleep early, in anticipation of an early rise. Rostock and Hamburg await. In reflecting on what we learned throughout the course of our day, a number of questions arose:

1)   With respect to Mr. Adrian, the former extremist: did he have a violent past?

2)   How should governments define the Holocaust? Does the current definition exclude many of the victims?

3)   With respect to Mr. Beck, are victim reparations appropriate? Can a price be put on human suffering?

4)   How will Germany address the marginalization of Turkish immigrants in German society?

5)   What kind of threat do the extremist parties of Hungary and Austria pose to European Jewry? Should Germany do more to combat this growing anti-semitism and xenophobia?

6)   Should Germany create separate Holocaust memorials for different victims groups (such as women)?  Should events be memorialized or their victims?

7)   How can German-Israeli relations be strengthened, in the wake of the East Jerusalem settlement controversy, formally denounced by the government?

We hope that in the coming days these and many more will get answered.  The picture becomes clearer, with each new experience.

Amy Berger

Barry Le Vine

Perry Meyers