Berlin Speaker Questions Value of Holocaust Remembrance Amid Rising Antisemitism
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
On November 9, 2026, Lala Süsskind delivered a speech in Berlin questioning the value of Holocaust remembrance culture when Jewish life is threatened by rising antisemitism. She criticized the lack of concrete action to protect Jewish individuals and institutions, despite Germany's strong memorial traditions. Süsskind called for democratic parties and society to move beyond rhetoric and actively combat antisemitism daily, demanding tangible measures for the safety and freedom of Jewish residents.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Lala Süsskind questioned Holocaust remembrance's value if Jewish life is threatened by current antisemitism.
- She stated Jewish people in Berlin must consider safety when openly expressing their identity.
- Süsskind criticized the surge in antisemitism since October 7, 2023, across various societal spheres.
- She demanded democratic parties take concrete actions beyond speeches to protect Jewish citizens.
- The speaker urged for tangible efforts to ensure Jewish life in Berlin is safe and visible daily.
- Süsskind expressed fatigue with the slogan "Never again is now" lacking corresponding action.
Speaking on November 9, 2026, at a memorial in Berlin-Schöneberg, Lala Süsskind delivered a powerful speech questioning the efficacy of Germany's remembrance culture when Jewish life faces contemporary threats. She noted that while commemorating the victims of the Holocaust is crucial, the focus should also be on the safety and freedom of Jewish individuals living in Berlin today.
Süsskind expressed frustration that Jewish residents, including students and those wearing symbols like the Star of David or kippah, must consider their safety and whether to openly express their Jewish identity in 2026. She argued that Holocaust remembrance should not be a mere annual ritual to assuage guilt but must translate into concrete, daily actions to protect the living.
The speaker highlighted the surge in open antisemitism since October 7, 2023, manifesting in public spaces, universities, schools, and online. She criticized the tendency to hold Jewish people accountable for the policies of the Israeli government and demanded that democratic parties take tangible steps beyond mere declarations to combat antisemitism from all sources, including right-wing, Islamist, and so-called progressive movements.
Süsskind specifically called for action regarding the protection of Jewish schools, synagogues, and institutions, as well as measures against antisemitism in educational settings and within political parties. She praised the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district for its proactive engagement against antisemitism but questioned why such efforts are not standard across all of Berlin.
Concluding her address, Süsskind reiterated her weariness of the slogan "Never again is now" when it is not backed by action. She urged for a shift from words to deeds, demanding that democratic parties, educational institutions, and individuals actively confront antisemitism to ensure Jewish life in Berlin is visible, diverse, vibrant, and secure, not just under police protection or on memorial days. She expressed a desire for tangible change by the next November 9th.
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