German Evangelical Alliance Apologizes for Nazi-Era Support
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
The German Evangelical Alliance (EAD) issued a historic apology to the Jewish people for its support of Hitler and its failings during the Nazi era. The apology, released on the 80th anniversary of a previous "declaration of guilt," acknowledges that the original document was incomplete. EAD Chairman Reinhardt Schink noted that Jews are still not safe in Germany today, and the organization pledges to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish people.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The German Evangelical Alliance (EAD) apologized to the Jewish people for its historical support of Hitler.
- The apology corrects and expands upon a 1946 "declaration of guilt" by the organization.
- The EAD leadership in 1933 welcomed Hitler's rise, viewing him as a divinely sent savior.
- The organization failed to clearly condemn the persecution of Jews during the Nazi era.
- EAD Chairman Reinhardt Schink stated that Jews remain unsafe in Germany today.
- The EAD pledges to remain vigilant against antisemitism and protect Jewish people.
The German Evangelical Alliance (EAD) has issued a historic apology to the Jewish people, seeking forgiveness for past failings and injustices committed by the church and Christians during the Nazi era. This new declaration serves as a correction and expansion of a 1946 "declaration of guilt" and was released on the 80th anniversary of the original document.
The apology was read during a memorial ceremony in Berlin, near the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the November 9-10, 1938 pogrom that saw synagogues burned, Jewish businesses looted, and Jews persecuted, expelled, and murdered across Germany.
The EAD's new statement, drafted by its committee on Israel, Judaism, and the Middle East, acknowledges that the 1946 declaration failed to adequately address crucial aspects of their shortcomings. It admits that the marginalization and persecution of Jewish people were not clearly condemned and that anti-Jewish measures were even justified using seemingly biblical arguments. The EAD leadership at the time is accused of acting contrary to the Gospel, becoming guilty before God and the Jewish people.
The organization expressed shame and regret that its leaders in 1933 welcomed the "national awakening" and harbored hopes in Adolf Hitler's rise to power, praising him as a divinely sent savior. The EAD now recognizes this as a fatal misunderstanding of the National Socialist movement. During the Nazi era, the organization did not stand with persecuted Jews and instead declared state actions as necessary.
Reinhardt Schink, Chairman of the EAD, stated during the document's presentation in Berlin that it is shameful that Jews are still not safe in Germany today. The EAD, which has previously condemned antisemitism following pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Germany, pledges in its new statement to remain vigilant, clearly condemn injustice, and act to protect Jews. The document concludes with a firm opposition to all forms of antisemitism and hatred of Israel.
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