In an interview marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul highlighted the ongoing challenges of antisemitism in Germany and the urgent need to preserve the memory of the Holocaust.
Reflecting on the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945, Wadephul called it “the embodiment of the monstrous crime of the Shoah, a crime planned and carried out by Germans.” He stressed that upholding the memory of this injustice is a responsibility shared by all Germans and forms the foundation of Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security.
Wadephul expressed concern that a significant number of young Germans are unfamiliar with the Shoah. “In Germany, more than one in ten teenagers and young adults have never heard of the Holocaust,” he said. “In some European countries, the figures are even higher. This shows that remembrance is not something that can be taken for granted. We need to work every day anew to keep the memory alive.”
The minister also addressed the disturbing rise in antisemitism across Germany. He noted that many Jewish citizens fear displaying symbols of their identity, such as kippot or Star of David necklaces.
“The fact that Jews are saying, ‘I no longer feel safe in Germany,’ or warning their children not to speak Hebrew in public, shames me to the depths of my soul,” Wadephul said.
He emphasised the German government’s commitment to confronting antisemitism: “The Federal government is taking a clear, firm, and rigorous stand against all forms of antisemitism. Jews are a natural and integral part of our society—and I want them to be able to feel that this is so without any reservation.”
Wadephul’s remarks underscore the ongoing struggle against antisemitism in Europe and the importance of Holocaust education to ensure that future generations understand the lessons of history.
