Attacks on memorial: Anti-Semitism threatens remembrance work!

Attacks on memorial: Anti-Semitism threatens remembrance work!

The current developments surrounding the Buchenwald/Mittelbau-Dora memorial shed a worrying light on anti-Semitism in our society. As the Ruhr barons According to reports, the memorial foundation has published an internal guide on problematic codes and symbols used by right-wing extremist and anti-Semitic groups. This 57-page documentation explains various symbols and gives recommendations on how to use them, paying particular attention to symbols such as the watermelon, red hands and red triangles.

The publication did not come without consequences. The memorial is increasingly being used politically by anti-Semitic actors, which led to a shitstorm that intimidated and threatened employees of the foundation. Prominent Instagram accounts, especially that of Deborah Feldmann, shared the handout, triggering a wave of outrage. The situation escalated further when employees' personal information was published on social media in order to discriminate and harass them.

The reactions to the handout

The Young Forum of the German-Israeli Society in Jena has expressed concern about these attacks. Joël Ben-Yehoshua, a member of the forum, emphasizes that such incidents are symptomatic of the growing anti-Semitism in our society. The pressure on memorial work is increasing, which underlines the need for additional information and educational work. The development and implementation of workshops, as announced on the memorial website, also plays a crucial role. These workshops aim to raise awareness of anti-Semitism and give participants a tool to recognize and name anti-Semitic incidents in everyday life Buchenwald informed.

The workshops will provide a historical overview of anti-Judaism and anti-Semitism, and cover relevant topics such as Israel-related anti-Semitism and secondary anti-Semitism. It is particularly important to use image methods to illustrate and consolidate what has been learned.

Anti-Semitism as a challenge for society as a whole

Anti-Semitism does not only affect special institutions such as memorials, but is a society-wide phenomenon that occurs in schools, social media and beyond Federal Agency for Civic Education determines. It often occurs in conjunction with other forms of discrimination, such as racism and homophobia. To counteract this, a variety of approaches are necessary, including biographical work and changing perspectives that appeal to both students, teachers and those active in civil society.

A central concern must be to convey history and human rights sustainably in order to promote awareness of social participation. Social media also plays a major role: anti-Semitic content is spread here and conspiracy myths are gaining influence. Dealing with these topics is important in order to reduce prejudices and to create a better understanding of the diversity of Jewish life.

Overall, it is clear that education about anti-Semitism is more necessary than ever. The Buchenwald Memorial is a place where this important work can and must take place in order to meet the challenges of the present.