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Dark memory: Scholz speaks about the night of the pogrom in 1938
The theme of the memorial service, at which Chancellor Olaf Scholz will speak, will also be the growing fears of Jews today. photo
© Kay Nietfeld/dpa
85 years ago, the National Socialists set fire to thousands of synagogues, destroyed Jewish shops and killed hundreds of people. For many Jews it is a bitter anniversary.
Since the attack on Israel by the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas on October 7th, the number of anti-Semitic and anti-Israel incidents in Germany has increased sharply. Thousands turned out for pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Many Jews report that they no longer dare to openly show their faith and symbols here.
“I can’t remember ever having to experience such a fear complex among Jews in Germany as I do today,” said Charlotte Knobloch, chairwoman of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, to the “Tagesspiegel”. “People are more afraid than ever before, some are even considering leaving the country.” For a long time, Jews felt safe in Germany, but now they felt: “There is no longer any security here like before.”
Deep-rooted fears
Central Council President Schuster told the editorial network Germany: “It has shocked Jews that so many people in Germany are susceptible to hatred of Jews and hostility to Israel. The images from German streets in which people of Arab origin in particular are calling for the destruction of Israel and the extermination of all Jews, address deep-rooted fears that are also related to November 9, 1938.”
In 1938, Nazi thugs began a wave of violence against Jews across the country on the night of November 9th to 10th. As a result, according to the German Historical Museum, more than 1,300 people were killed, 1,400 synagogues were destroyed and damaged, 7,000 shops were robbed and 30,000 Jews were deported to concentration camps. Many citizens took part in the pogroms or at least did not oppose them.
Many Jews today feel reminded of this because of threatening situations in everyday life and anti-Israel demonstrations. The International Auschwitz Committee declared: “85 years after November 9, 1938, for survivors of the Holocaust, ‘then’ is very close.” However, Central Council President Schuster also underlined the differences in a dpa interview a few days ago: “In 1938 the whole thing was a state-controlled pogrom. Thank God there is no talk of that in Germany today.”
Merkel: State and civic duty
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is also taking part in the Berlin commemoration alongside Federal Council President Manuela Schwesig, expressly promised Jews protection from the state and society on Wednesday. Scholz has already made a similar statement: “Anyone who attacks Jews in Germany is attacking us all,” the Chancellor told “Mannheimer Morgen” a few days ago.
Before the commemoration, the Bundestag is also debating the protection of Jewish life in Germany today. The two Left chairmen Janine Wissler and Martin Schirdewan warned in advance to combat anti-Semitism in all forms. “This lesson from history must never be forgotten and must be a mandate for us to act,” they declared on November 9th.
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel also spoke out and declared that the fight against any form of anti-Semitism was a state and civic duty: “Jews must be able to feel safe in Germany.”