We Asked

Democracies do not die suddenly; fascism does not triumph suddenly. Democratic values erode under the pressure of their enemies. This is what happened in the darkest hours of Germany and Europe, this is what is happening now in parts of Europe, and some developments in Germany itself remind us of these darkest hours. Education on NS-injustice means seeing the end in order to combat the beginnings. Funding programs such as the Education Agenda NS-Injustice are important elements in defending an open society: a blind society cannot be open, and a closed society cannot be democratic.“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” William Faulkner’s words have lost none of their meaning. Our life today is inseparable from the past. There are people living among us who were persecuted by National Socialists. Their descendants live among us, carrying the pain and trauma of their parents and grandparents. Listening to them is important: important for these people, important for us. Listening to them can help us understand how strong our democracy is and how vulnerable it is at the same time. Listening can help us understand, perhaps even empathize with, the plight of the persecuted and the refugees today.

Mehmet Daimagüler, Federal Commissioner against Antigypsyism and for the Lives of Sinti and Roma in Germany

The injustice perpetrated by the German National Socialist regime, the atrocities that are still inconceivable today, the mass deprivation of rights and murder of those who did not fit into the inhuman Nationalist Socialist ideology, the industrial extermination of more than six million Jewish children, women, and men: all this happened more than 80 years ago. The collective injustice continues to fade from our collective memory. However, the lessons that we as a society must learn from this time are no less important today. The protection of human rights and the fight against antisemitism and all forms of group-focused enmity are fundamental to our democratic coexistence. In order to be able to learn this from German history, we must have education about National Socialist injustice. Today, there are ever fewer historical eyewitnesses to tell the story. Innovative, interactive, and digital approaches to imparting knowledge about National Socialist injustice are therefore particularly important.

Dr. Felix Klein, Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism

We thought that the workshop on remembrance was such a small project from the school that it would soon be over. But then another offer came along. At first, I didn’t want to go because I thought theater was always boring. But theater is really cool, and every play has great significance. I would like to take part in another play, again as an actor, perhaps on the subject of war. I find it exciting to think about that.

Marko Milun Brkic, actor in the play "Time Busters," Munich Kammerspiele

Today we know that 1945 was not the “zero hour” that had long been invoked. On the contrary, there was a great deal of continuity in terms of personnel, which naturally also brought with it structural and ideological continuities. Especially in the case of system-relevant professional groups, it is important to question from within the institution itself whether organizational and institutional forms hinder or even counteract democratic convictions.

Dr. Elke Gryglewski, project "Recht ist, was dem Staat nützt?" [Right is what benefits the state?], Lower Saxony Memorials Foundation

If we take the topic of ‘European remembrance’ seriously, we must not forget the (post-)Yugoslavian region, which unfortunately still happens far too often. The occupation of Yugoslavia in 1941 to 1945 and the crimes committed led to a strong resistance movement, which then succeeded in largely liberating the country itself.

Dr. Nicolas Moll, project "Wer ist Walter?," crossborder factory

Companies can benefit from the project on several levels: The spread of conspiracy theories and the blanket devaluation of dissidents have a negative impact on the working atmosphere, collegial interaction and individual motivation. A keen eye for antisemitic attitudes and actions, and the ability to act and speak, on the other hand, are basic prerequisites for a respectful and appreciative working environment and successful corporate communication—both internally and externally.

Johanna Sokoließ, Project Manager "Informed, courageous, committed! A joint initiative against antisemitism," EVZ Foundation