Shadows from the Past: the Nazi-Regime, the Holocaust, and Germany's Relationship towards the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Arbeitspapier | Working paper

As a consequence of the Holocaust, Israel's security is officially regarded as part of Germany's 'reason of state'. Yet the criteria for a responsible relationship between Germany and Israel are by no means self-evident or without logical or practical contradictions. One of the complications is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In order to better understand this complication, I examine two familiar national narratives, one from each side, about possible connections between the Nazi era, the Holocaust, and this conflict. I also put the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a broader historical context. It turns out that the examined relationships are not as obvious as the familiar narratives describe them. The origins of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are older than the Nazi era and the Holocaust, and they also point to broader European responsibilities more generally, to Europe's nationalism, anti-Semitism, colonialism and imperialism - with irresponsibilities towards both Jews and Arabs. In no way does such a comprehensive perspective affect Germany’s special historical responsibilities resulting from the Holocaust. But it puts the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a more complete and also more honest framework, with consequences for Germany’s moral and political position.

Object Details

• Extent: Seite(n): 22
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Status: Veröffentlichungsversion

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: PRIF Working Papers (26)

Classification and Topics

• Subject: Internationale Beziehungen ; Politikwissenschaft ; Friedens- und Konfliktforschung, Sicherheitspolitik ; internationale Beziehungen, Entwicklungspolitik ; Bundesrepublik Deutschland ; palästinensisch-israelischer Konflikt ; internationale Beziehungen ; Nationalsozialismus ; Judenverfolgung ; Verantwortung ; historische Entwicklung ; Europa ; Diplomatie ; Antisemitismus ; Nationalismus ; Jude ; Araber ; Friedenspolitik ; Nahost

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Krell, Gert
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Hessische Stiftung Friedens- und Konfliktforschung
• (where): Deutschland, Frankfurt am Main
• (when): 2015

Further information

• URN: urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-456272
• Rights: GESIS - Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften. Bibliothek Köln
• Last update: 21.06.2024, 4:27 PM CEST