Over the past year, I have embarked on an extensive tour to promote my latest book, “Never Again: Germans and Genocide After the Holocaust.” This book explores how Germans have responded to genocide in other countries since 1945. During my book tour, I have frequently been asked about German reactions to Israel’s actions against the Palestinians. The issue has gained even more prominence following recent events in the Middle East, with many people questioning why Germans are not more vocal in condemning Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank as genocide.
This discussion aligns with a growing critique of Germany’s renowned “Vergangenheitsbewältigung,” or coming to terms with the past. Historically praised for its efforts in reckoning with the Holocaust, Germany’s approach has come under scrutiny in recent years. Scholars like Susan Neiman, in her book “Learning from the Germans,” initially lauded Germany’s memory work but have since raised concerns about its current trajectory.
The debate has intensified in the aftermath of a reported crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Germany. Critics suggest that Germany’s remembrance culture has taken a troubling turn, with some arguing that it fosters insensitivity towards other oppressed groups and stifles critical discourse on international issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
This wave of criticism stems from a broader reassessment of Germany’s post-war narrative, which has been evolving over the past decade. Key catalysts for this shift include debates around historical figures like Achille Mbembe, scholarly works linking German colonialism to the Holocaust, and challenges to the traditional narrative of German memory work.
As critics question Germany’s approach to memory and history, they raise valid concerns about the limitations of Germany’s remembrance culture. They argue that official narratives dictate narrow interpretations of the past, leading to selective memory that excludes colonial atrocities and current global injustices. This critique contends that Germany’s unwavering support for Israel reflects a problematic form of philosemitism that stifles dissent and sidelines critical voices.
Furthermore, critics highlight the chilling effect on free speech, with accusations of antisemitism being weaponized to silence dissent and suppress debate. The conflation of legitimate criticism of Israeli policies with antisemitism has polarized public discourse and fueled xenophobic sentiments within Germany.
While acknowledging these criticisms, it is crucial to consider the context in which they arise. Germany’s history of antisemitism and its commitment to Holocaust remembrance complicate its stance on contemporary issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Germans find themselves navigating a delicate balance between acknowledging their past and advocating for justice in the present.
The evolving debate around genocide and Germany’s role in international affairs underscores the complexities of memory, identity, and responsibility. Questions about the applicability of terms like genocide to modern conflicts, the legacy of historical trauma, and the challenges of advocating for human rights in a complex world all require thoughtful reflection and nuanced dialogue.
In conclusion, Germany’s engagement with its past and present is an ongoing process that demands critical introspection and open dialogue. As we continue to grapple with difficult questions about history, memory, and justice, let us strive to engage with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to learning from the past to shape a better future.
This article was first published in Public Seminar on 6 March 2024