Jay Hauser

Period 7

Holocaust Education Day Journal

The last panel today was, well, unnerving. Tova Friedman’s views on Germans during

the Holocaust and in the present day are understandable, considering what she has been through.

I do question her assertion that all of Nazi Germany is to blame for the Holocaust. Granted, she

is most likely correct that most of Germany was aware of the atrocities being committed.

However, most were powerless to make a change due to fear. Should people have stood up for

what was right? Yes. Considering the risks, would I blame them for keeping quiet? No. Despite

what we all like to think, most of us, if in the bystander position of so many during Nazi rule,

would keep quiet for fear of punishment. Self-preservation is human nature.

Furthermore, I wholeheartedly disagree with her beliefs about modern Germans. While

there is still anti-semitism in Europe, it is not nearly as nationalized as it was during the national

era. Mrs. Friedman stated that she was willing to forgive a German individual, yet she still

refuses to initially judge them at an individualized level. That being said, I believe that Stephanie

and Reinholdt (and Beth) need not be forgiven, as they did nothing wrong. Were they there

during the Holocaust? No. They are blameless in the situation.

Finally, I have a great deal less sympathy for Ataya. Yes, I do understand that the

environment she was brought up in did have a large impact on her worldview. However, a line

must be drawn. I was appalled at her comment to Reinholdt that she was glad he was abused.

First off, Reinholdt himself did nothing that impacted the Holocaust, as he was not born yet.

Moreover, she ought to be grateful, considering the consequences he faced by speaking out

against his father, that he even agreed to show up and participate in the film. Most importantly,

the main goal of every survivor is prevention of similar events from occurring. While the

punishments and tortures were not nearly as horrendous as what was inflicted on Tova,

Reinholdt is the victim of abuse from an SS officer. How dare she say that she is glad someone

was tortured by a former Nazi? I view that as hypocrisy.