Late last year, I read an interview with a rabbi in my university city of Manchester, in which he said that things were so bad he could not see himself ending his days in Britain. I wanted to cry – how could this be happening in my own country? His words had a special resonance for me – at the time I was finishing a book about my own grandfather – an active perpetrator in the Holocaust.
My German grandfather died before I was born. My father told me that his father, Karl Niemann, was “a bank clerk, a pen-pusher.” He also told me that he was a member of the Nazi party. Out of shame, I kept that from my Jewish friends.
Three years ago while my wife prepared for a conference in Berlin a far more terrible revelation came. I decided to join her in the German capital for a short vacation. I asked my dad where he had lived during the war. I would look it up, maybe take some photos of the house for him. I checked online for any information about the street itself.
Karl pictured in his army uniform on
the outbreak of the First World War
While I was searching a page came up bearing the words: SS Hauptsturmführer Karl Niemann… crimes against humanity… use of slave labor.
I was to discover that in May 1945 my grandfather was arrested in the Alps by American soldiers and imprisoned in former POW camps for three years. My family closed that sordid chapter in their lives and never spoke about it again. But as a 50-year-old writer, I had a compulsion to dig into this new-found truth and to write about it. I trawled archives, went to concentration camps, spoke to Holocaust historians and relatives and began to piece together the story – not just of Karl Niemann, but also that of my family, who had been living a life in Berlin that was both bizarre and frighteningly ordinary.
My grandfather oversaw slave labor and the factories he visited were the likes of Auschwitz, Dachau, Buchenwald and Sachsenhausen.
My dad had vivid recollections of a childhood in which he saw much but understood little. During the war, his father was always going on ‘business trips’. No sooner was he back than he was preparing to go off again. The reality was that he was an overseer of slave labor and the factories he was visiting were the likes of Auschwitz, Dachau, Buchenwald and Sachsenhausen.
SS officers requisitioned inmates to do odd jobs around the house. My dad remembered men wearing “dirty grey striped uniforms, with ‘Jude’ written on the back”. They brought furniture, mended clothes, made bunk beds and an air raid shelter in the garden. His mother gave them coffee and cake. They told her they liked coming to her house. The children played in bomb craters: it was a million miles from the murderous regime in which their father was a working participant.
Karl pictured in his Nazi Party uniform
with wife Minna, 1933.
Just how much did my grandfather know of the Holocaust and what was his involvement? In the last weeks of the war, he was one of four officers ordered to relocate with their families from Berlin to the Alps. The entourage stopped for two or three nights at Dachau on the way and my dad recalled overhearing a heated conversation between his parents as they looked out over a low building with a tall smoking chimney. His mother said: “You know what they’re doing there? They’re killing the Jews and burning their bodies.” His father was emphatic: “No, they wouldn’t do that,” he insisted.
There is simply too much contrary evidence for his denial to be credible. At his tribunal in 1948, the prosecution lacked incriminating papers that were being used at the time to help hang Karl’s boss, Oswald Pohl, the overall controller of concentration camps. Auditor Karl Niemann had produced accounts for the year 1942, in which he bemoaned the ‘loss’ of 8,000 workers from Majdanek. Eight thousand Jews had been taken out and shot – and Karl had written down the exact date of their killing.
He claimed he had never been to Auschwitz – yet it was the SS’s second biggest ‘factory’ and a Holocaust historian told me that it was inconceivable that he would never have visited it. And how could he have gone to camp after camp, and not seen all the signs of torture, the skeletal figures, breathed the smell of death? My grandfather found inmates to testify on his behalf that he had not physically abused anyone. What of the passive acceptance that allowed him to work for the SS for 10 years?
Most disturbing of all were the comments from the presiding judge that Karl Niemann, presented with the facts, showed no sign of contrition for his part in the enslavement and brutal treatment of innocent people.
It was hard to be objective. There were times when I hated my grandfather. There was a brief window – when I discovered that he had been working deals with the Gestapo to have inmates released – that I thought he might have been another Oskar Schindler. But in the end, I accept he was a flawed individual and look elsewhere for positives.
“I find this hard, but it is true, and you must tell it all.”
And there are positives to come out of this dreadful story. There is my family’s reaction to the book’s publication, most notably my uncle, still living in Germany, who read a draft and told me: “I find this hard, but it is true, and you must tell it all.”
A guiding light has been one Bernhard Gelderblom, whose own father died an unrepentant perpetrator. Bernhard has dedicated his retirement to teaching children in local towns and villages about the lives of Jewish communities before the Nazis came. He inspired people in these places to restore Jewish cemeteries smashed during Kristallnacht.
Throughout this process, I have been shaken, not by hostility, but by kindness. It seems that those closest to the Holocaust are girdled with compassion. Archivists have looked into my heart and said in soft voices: “It’s not your fault.” A lady who had lost family at Auschwitz even said: “Your grandfather probably couldn’t help it.” Kind words indeed, but for the sake of truth, I must value honesty above everything.
The author, Derek Niemann
As Holocaust survivors pass away, I understand that I and others in my position have a role. As the grandson of a Nazi criminal, I can say to young people, this is what has happened, but I do not share my grandfather’s beliefs, I do not agree with what he has done. In the weeks since my book was published, I have found others who have been given a similar legacy to me and also want to carry a torch against hatred and bigotry.
I was deeply moved to be asked by Aish.com to write this article. The fact that it is possible speaks volumes for the willingness of good people, regardless of faith, to find understanding and common humanity.
A Nazi in the Family by Derek Niemann, was published by Short Books in March 2015 and is available as an e-book. Click here to order.
(34) Sharon Demuth, June 20, 2020 7:26 AM
I believe we are related
I too have Neimans in my family, although distant. My great aunt Dickie visited the Nieman family, I recall, in Grossschoenau, back at the turn of the century. I have pictures, I think, somewhere. Don’t know. I have many NAZI military in my family. I am not Jewish, however, part of my family fought Hitler and died for it. The others rescued Jews at the Netherlands border. I have always fought anti Semitism, and hate this. It is horrible to think your forbears were monsters. My cousin Willim told me they all had to join the Nazi party, or die. Willim was my closest living German relative, whom I met in Weitmarchen. His family smuggled Jews into the Netherlands, every night. They showed me the Christmas cards the grateful families sent. I was so proud. This little village tried to save Jews, while pretending to be good Nazis. They were not the Neimans. I have not connected with that side of my family. I only went to Germany once. But I do think we have possibly a relationship. Sorry for the rambling. Sharon Demuth
(33) roslyn blumberg, February 5, 2019 4:18 PM
trying to understand Why?
Hard to believe how cruel people can be.
(32) Edward, November 26, 2017 6:05 PM
Jews in Soviet Revolution
They committed no less crimes than Nazi. Do you ashamed to be affiliated with them?
(31) Anonymous, February 25, 2016 2:05 AM
I Feel Your Pain...
I am a Jewish convert whose great-great-great grandfather and great-great grandfather fought for the south during the Civil War. To make matters worse, not only had my family owned slaves since at least the 1790's, but one distant relative (with the same surname), was a founding member of the KKK.
I am appalled at the "skeletons in my family closet" as well, but take comfort in knowing that A). By being called a "N-Word Lover" several times during my rural southern childhood; B). By breaking hundreds of years of family tradition and converting to Judaism as an adult; and C). By seeing my "family tree" change with each generation, (and especially in the lives in my own children), I hope and pray that had Hashem seen fit to have me born in a different time, I would have chosen to do the right thing....
Anonymous, December 5, 2017 1:30 AM
Southern Jews
There is in Richmond a Jewish cemetery of CSA soldiers. They were as loyal to South as anyone. & of course you do know that 40,000 Negro combat troops fought for the CSA, including 100 with Nathan Bedford Forrest.
(30) Anonymous, April 23, 2015 3:30 AM
Thank you Derek for your Brave and Honest article...
I am the Granddaughter of an SS officer who was a Nazi War criminal. I agree , we must remember and educate the next generation.
(29) Tirtza, April 22, 2015 7:11 AM
contrast
I would like to contrast the sincerity of this young author, who was not born yet at the time of the atrocities, with the reaction of the Polish government who had many willing to hand over the Jews. The Polish government, instead of shame and regret for what was perpetrated on their soil, with many Poles involved, demands an apology from the FBI Director, who had the "audacity" to use the example of how good people failed to act humanely in Poland and other countries of Europe.
This young man seeks the truth and acknowledges it and seeks to prevent such occurrences again. In contrast, the Polish government wants to pretend that many Poles were not complicit but were only similar victims. True, there were Polish victims and rescuers, but it would be a lie to pretend that many did not support the Shoah. The first step in repentance is admitting that you did something wrong, it's time for all of Europe to admit it, only then will change and prevention of similar things be possible.
Let's hope they seek the truth like this admirable young man.
alan, April 27, 2015 8:09 PM
Poland's guilt
One question to Poland's people.Why we're the concentration camps built in Poland.Answer is the Polish people have always hated the Jews
Anonymous, July 29, 2015 2:32 PM
Another dumb comment
Concentration camps were build in Poland because nazi Germany invaded Poland, defeated the Polish army, dissolved the Polish state and added Polish territory to German state. Germans build concentration camps to exterminate Polish people. They killed some 2,5 millions of Poles. Polish people were first victims of those camps, not Jews. First Pole in Auschwitz died in 1940. First Jew - in 1942.
Writing that "the Polish people have always hated the Jews" is ignorant stereotyping. And that's exactly what the nazis did with Jews and Poles.
Peter, July 29, 2015 2:24 PM
Disgusting and ignorant comment
What an ignorant comment, reeking of hatred for Poles and Poland. Polish government never collaborated with the German nazis. Poland was invaded by nazi Germany and Polish people were THE FIRST victims of nazi genocidal policy. Some 2,5 millions of Poles were exterminated, millions were crippled for life, lost everything they had and you dare to accuse Poles of crimes they were victims of?!
FBI director displayed incredible ignorance of history. Polish people were the first to fight against the German nazis. Poland was a major Allied country and significantly contributed to the defeat of the Third Reich. Polish people fought on almost all fronts of WWII: Battle of France, Battle of Britain, Narvik, Tobruk, Monte Cassino, Berlin. Polish resistance was one of the biggest and best organized. In 1944 Poles staged an uprising against their nazi occupiers - THE BIGGEST anti-nazi operation during WWII.
Comparing Poles, who were major victims of nazism with those who invaded their country and perpetrated a genocide on them is dumb, ignorant, offensive, disgusting and puts to shame those who do so. Polish people wont't admit to something they didn't do just because you want so.
Anonymous, November 23, 2016 2:19 PM
It's true that many Poles were victims of the Nazis and that the Polish government did not officially work with the Nazis either in the war effort or extermination of Jews. But the Nazis set up the extermination camps in Poland precisely because they knew that most Poles wouldn't object. Many Poles did help the Nazis by betraying Jews to them, helping with massacres, or murdering Jews themselves. The Polish Home Army, while not officially against the Jews, did not help the Jews and in fact even helped murder Jews, including the mother and brother of Yaffa Eliach. So yes, there's plenty of guilt to go around.
(28) Mike, April 19, 2015 7:39 PM
Sir,
you are an individual for youself and you deserve the opportunity to make your own decisions.
The question is, what will those actions be?
Are you acting on behalf of Israel? (preferably in a manner where you are doing it selflessly, since then nothing will detract from your reward)
You should see what it was that the Nazis wanted and do precisely the opposite.
But you need to really want it.
The truth is in the pudding and a person is eventually judged by his actions. You have the freedom to decide those actions, but this is also the standard by which you will be held.
Researching about the past can be a good start. But it can only be a start when it leads to proper and positive action.
In our times, the main challenge for Germans is to OPENLY stand for Israel and to act for Israel EXCLUSIVELY.
Are you up for this?
The question is not if we have sympathy or not. The question is not what we think of you, or what others think of you, or even what you yourself think of you. The question is what is the absolute truth, or if you will, what is Gods opinion. What does God think.
I would personally say that if these letters sound harsh, they are not meant to be.
If I had no respect for you, I wouldn't have even written.
I encourage you to read this letter again, and also to learn more on Aish.
A person is judged by how much he knows. But you can be sure that he WILL be judged, and your responsibility as a person, knowing your family history, is even greater.
Only really positive actions count. And count they DO. But there has to be genuine motivation that goes beyond money,recognition,career and the like.
I think you will agree
(27) Anonymous, April 18, 2015 6:43 PM
The German Ambassador.
Many years ago, after Germany was reunified, I attended a conference about this subject, given by the German ambassador in my country. At the time, there had been neo-Nazi riots in several German cities, protesting against whatever seemed fit. When the conference finished (and it was very interesting, by the way), I approached Herr Botschafter, the ambassador, and asked him about those riots and their consequences... in German. He answered that it was not significant, "only 15,000 or 20,000" people in all of Germany, he said. I asked him if he knew the story of the Punic Wars and he said he did. "Well, I said, that's good because your country already caused to world wars in a 30-year span. I'm Jewish, sir, and believe me, if your government won't controls this, we have a country and we will act accordingly. This is intolerable. Today you say there are only 15,000 to 20,000 neo-Nazis rioting in Germany. The last time it was only one. I for one, am ready to volunteer in any army that will put and end to your country. Never again!"
I then said good bye and that was it. Yes, it's very easy to be anti-Nazi AFTER 1945. Over the years, I've met a number of Germans and the older ones told me they were against the Nazis. I've never stopped wondering how I've managed to meet so many people of the very small minority that opposed Nazism, because from the films and for what I've read, that movement was immensely popular over there. Germans knew what was going on and collectively they were only too happy.
Mike, April 19, 2015 8:45 PM
acting as if
Exactly, they all wouild like you to believe that "nobody knew anything".
have you read this?
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/194271#.VTPsk2ccRjo
Apparently Poland was totally innocent as well...
But they surely fell like they are great people if they say that the Holocaust was bad or that they are sorry.
-it's just that they don't have anything to do with it, since it's a thing of the past.
The next step is to use this 'legitimacy' to attack Israel.
Some German politician said: What Israel is doing to the Palis is comparable what the Nazis did to the Jews.
Isn't this great
(26) Derek Niemann, April 18, 2015 9:36 AM
The author says...
Thank you everyone for reading this article and thank you to those who have added comments.
I did not write the feature wanting sympathy, but was hoping for feedback about how you felt about the grandson of a perpetrator speaking out about his forebear's transgressions against your people.
I have found the response both profoundly moving and encouraging. Thank you.
.
(25) Avigail, April 16, 2015 5:45 AM
Your pursuit of truth is highly commendable
We live in a world that many carry on with a legacy of hatred, whether openly or not, and your acting to change and changing the attitude of others is highly commendable.
(24) Anonymous, April 16, 2015 3:42 AM
Noble
Thank you for being noble, honest, and outspoken. With anti-semitism on the rise, I appreciate every individual willing to stand up and speak out on behalf of human decency and high moral standards. Well done!
(23) Anonymous, April 16, 2015 3:11 AM
Thank you
Thank you
(22) Mike, April 15, 2015 4:57 PM
we should not get too exited
Having a Nazi in ones family has made nobody a good person and it is actually an indicator that the person may (very) well have a predestination. Not everything is inherited. And sometimes the children or grandchildren are very different from their parents or their grandparents. But it is the exception, rather than the rule.
The real heroes are those who were against Nazism WHEN IT WAS INOPPORTUNE TO DO SO. Today it is very opportune to be against Nazism. Therefore the words of someone who says that he is not a Nazi do not necessarily mean that he would have been a Nazi. On the other hand, the real test is when conditions are bad.
The Germans themselves(!) admit that a Holocaust could happen again in their country. Ask the author this one straight question, he will tell you it is true. (yes, I know, Germany is investing is schools....etc.etc. but the truth is -the ugly truth is- that while there are good individuals in Germany, the nation is still the same. A small proof: The VAST majority of Nazi criminals were NEVER held accountable and there are constant efforts to "protect" the "Persoenlichkeitsrechte" of those criminals. Talk about rights...
If the author is reading this, Germany must understand that "Aufarbeitung der Vergangenheit" is not effective by simply admitting a watered-down truth about the past (and ones own ancestors).That alone solves nothing. There must be an ethical change and a conscious understanding what kind of a lack of values and human qualities have led to the Holocaust and an adoption of Noahide values, and an acceptance of the Jews as the teachers of truth,as the light to the nations and as the teachers of nations as the G-d of Israel says through Moses and Isaya.
Truth is,that is not happening at all. There is no Holocaust denial. But there is vast indifference for and true hatred of Israel in Germany.Laws have changed, but can revert.People haven't changed/
rachel, April 15, 2015 9:22 PM
we cannot choose the times in which we live
We can only choose what to do with the time we have. I think your comments are very unfair to Mr Nieman.
Anonymous, April 16, 2015 12:01 PM
Lighten up
Family predestination? I don't know about that. Where would that leave the Jews? Their ancestors, Adam & Eve, directly rebelled against Hashem. Abraham's father was a world-class idolater. How about King David, descendant of Ruth, descendant of Moab, child of an incestual union? And his son, Solomon, "The King Whose Peace Was His," hardly sounds hindered by ancestral predestination. The great and holy Rav Meir in the Talmud descended from Nero, the Roman General. You don't get to be a Roman General without butchering lots of innocent people along the way. Predestination? Don't know about that, a lot of kids turn out pretty darn good, even becoming the best.
As for Germany today, it's ironically amusing when fellow Jews won't buy a Mercedez Benz because of past hatreds, while paying money to fill up their minds with the BBC and the New York Times, which are hardly subtle in their Jew hatred and their non-coverage of current holocausts such as the 4 million people slaughtered in Congo.
Our criticisms can be constructive, but for that to happen, they need to be truthful.
Geborah, April 16, 2015 10:27 PM
History twists...
My husband was rescued by the Righteous Gentiles of Denmark - today Scandinavia is a hot bed of anti Jewish philosophy and acts of vicious hatred! Who could have imagined it?
We can only change the way we act when we change the way we think! By example, we can teach the world tolerance and acceptance, but frankly the U.S. Is not doing a very good job of that right now. To understand the mind of the nazi, the twisted sense of superiority, the hateful racial bias, the unthinkable murderous acts, one has only to look at the recent attitudes and behavior of our own fellow Americans. Do we stand up against it? Loud enough?
Mike, April 17, 2015 10:14 AM
facts, not fiction, not make-believe
the question is, what is and what is the truth.
We, and I believe this is something that the Jewish people have to take into consideration, we have to be careful not to project our own positive feeling,hopes,aspirations,morals on other peoples. Just because we are a certain way does not mean that other people are like this.
We also must be careful not to let feelings, and wishful thinking cloud our judgement.
What I wrote about Germany is totally real. Ask any person familiar with the subject.
I do not criticize the author. He has the right to make his own decisions and he can choose who he wants to imitate or not imitate.
Unfortunately must of what he says is also what mainstream speak in Germany is, and part of that mainstream speak is also terrible hatred for Israel.
I think this article is indicative.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/16785#.VTDbIWccTmQ
All those of are involved will deny any connection to Nazism/antisemitism.
They will all say that Germany is a completely different place now.
Friends,
life is not a Hollywood movie (many of which are written and produced by Jews)
many people are far worse than we would like them to be.
I do not criticise the author as a person and I don't have a reason to. But people need to understand that it takes more than "Holocaust remembrance" . It takes a genuine change of heart and morals.
To those who like to see others based on their own emotions,understanding,psychology, I would ask you:
HAVE the Germans a people in any way(!) accepted that?
A change in morality??? Where? They all say the Holocaust was wrong. INCLUDING ex-Nazis! How much do you give for their word.
And those are the people who you think are just like you...
big mistake
Anonymous, April 21, 2015 6:45 PM
Does a people have a soul
or is not a people composed of many individuals? Sorry, but your comment fails to treat people as individuals. Yes much but notably not all (actally a significant larger minority than in many other countries) is slanted anti Israel due to left wingers controlling the press and misinforming. However, like it or not, of all western european countries today, tehre are the least number of anti jewish attacks and incidents ie much better than England, France, Belgium, Austria, Denmark etc. Who the majority is I don't know, but I also know that there are some Israelis who scream Kill Arabs and I will not say, all Israelis are like that. The biggest threat against Jews comes not from neo nazis but hating muslims- who by the way, also attack plenty of non Jewish Germans. Most Germans are rightly fed up with them. As to your its opportune to be anti nazi today, well coz you obviously do not live in Germany you will no know that plenty German politicians get death threats from that lot today, so much that recently a town mayor gave up his position. That said, its a fact that if say 200 nazis demonstrate somewhere, about 5000 People invariably will counterdemonstrate - and it is good, as there is safety in numbers and the NSU (neo nazi cell) Terror attacks may not had jewish victims (hence unreported in the Jewish world), but it shows taht they too have the same potential as islamists. Perhaps before you write about other countries you should live there - or else you make the same mistakes as many journalists do about Israel - relying on bits and pieces of (mis) Information and writing very slanted articles. Thank you
(21) Brenda, April 15, 2015 3:57 PM
Incredible and brave
As a grandchild of survivors, I find your work to uncover the truth and your determination to write about it so admirable. Our generation has to continue to ensure that the next generations know what happened and you are doing just that...
(20) Baruch, April 15, 2015 9:36 AM
It's what you do with it
It's not what you were born with (or to whom you were born) that matters, but what you do with it.
Derek Niemann has embraced it to shine a point of light that helps us see right from wrong and make the world a better place.
Yiyasher Kochacha - May your strength continue to enlighten.
(19) Anonymous, April 15, 2015 5:35 AM
Israel Sees What the World Dont See
I now know for sure that when Israel says there is a problem with USA and Europe, it is very true. How does US want to talk and allow Iran to have weapons? A country surporting its own and the worlds suicide. I will forever support Israels policies on its safety. God bless Israel.
(18) Diana Bailay, April 15, 2015 5:35 AM
Derek, in a world when too many excuses are made for those who have, and would, and would perpetrate abominations in the name of creed, you are a shining light. Thanks for your honesty in this article, and in honest reporting the truth you found. Please God there are those who would be brave enough to read your book, and let the truth open their eyes to the lies of antisemitism.
(17) Marlene Josephs, April 15, 2015 3:44 AM
Your story reminds me...
It reminds me of the movie/book "TThe boy in the stripped pajamas". You said that your family moved and you could smell the burning flesh in the crematoriums and that your parents argued about this. This exact scene took place in the movie. Also, they had slave laborers working in the house of the SS officer's family, too.
(16) Matt Knighton, Sr., April 15, 2015 2:59 AM
Applaud courage & integrity.
I applaud the courage and integrity of Derek Niemann in writing the article and the book. With the plethora of history deconstructionists finding platforms in every level of education these days, we need those who are ready and willing to be authoritative voices of truth in the wilderness of blatant lies and falsehood.
(15) Eion Isaac Israel, April 14, 2015 11:05 PM
Gives hope for humanity
Derek Niemans Good Deeds in revealing the horror is commendable .The brother of the UniBomber faced a more acute Dilemna.Some Relatives of Nazis even siblings maybe parents saved Jews. We Jews learn of the difference between Abraham and his Father the divide between Isaac and Ishmael Jacob and Essau Joseph and his brothers one of the harshest Laban and the Jewish People and Humanity.
(14) Anonymous, April 14, 2015 10:59 PM
Thank you for sharing your family story. There is good and bad everywhere, I just hope the good keeps winning
(13) Judy, April 14, 2015 10:37 PM
The children of Nazi officers are not responsible for their actions!!
I visited Dachau when on a trip to Germany & Italy in 1973. The large rooms with gas jets (shower room) gave me goosebumps!! The ovens made me want to run away! It was a lasting memory That I will never forget!
(12) Phaiga Miriam Gentilcore, April 14, 2015 8:50 PM
Courageous and Honest
The author must be commended for his tremendous courage and honesty. I wish all people, especially those in positions of leadership, were made of this stock.
(11) Diane, April 14, 2015 8:24 PM
Thank you for your honesty
Derek,
I am so glad that you continued the search for the truth. It is imperative that people read and hear your story of your grandfather especially those who are Holocaust deniers. Here, in black and white you document the truth.
Unlike what others are saying, you don't need to make amends for what your grandfather did. You did nothing wrong and instead you uncovered the hidden truth about your grandfather. And, at the same time gave us insight in how the German people showed a blind eye as to what was happening by their own government through your story.
I am glad that your dad and uncle encouraged you to discover your family's secret and expose it. It took a lot of courage for you and your family to come out in the open with the truth. As you said, it was kept hidden for so many years.
Thank you for your courage and tenacity to get to the truth and write your book, kudos to you and G-d bless you.
(10) dbdent, April 14, 2015 7:39 PM
May you also have the strength and courage to pass your approach onto your children and g/children so that they too will become menschen AND NEVER FORGET!
(9) Sue Deutsch, April 14, 2015 6:19 PM
Thank You
Thanks, Derek! The story of your response to the truth about your grandfather is inspiring. It is especially important now when anti-Semitism is returning to Europe. You are courageous and I hope your book finds a large audience!
(8) Christine, April 14, 2015 5:43 PM
A magnificent compilation of history
Well written approached with respect and regard ...
(7) Anonymous, April 14, 2015 4:51 PM
Thank you for sharing this.
My grandparents were incarcerated in Dachau, along with about forty relatives. My aunt perished in Auschwitz.
(6) David, April 14, 2015 4:45 PM
Nazis vs. Muslims
When I see the horror stories about the Holocaust, I can't help thinking that the Muslims are even a step ahead of the Nazis, who we consider the worst barbarians in modern history. The Muslims have taken inhumanity to a new level. Their indiscriminate slaughter of women and children by the most damnable methods is sickening. Who will fight to stop them? America has become a simpering, self-indulgent coward, as has Europe. If the Israelis don't stop them, much of the world will once again be enslaved by this demonic "religion".
Eion Isaac Israel, April 15, 2015 4:42 AM
Comparison Blasphemous
Islam has always been inherently antiJewish but the Prophet Mohammed was never like a Nazi .They did Apartheid and Forced conversion but Genocide not .They are Barbaric and Brutal but the Nazis were worse .They are however many mutating to Neonazi Attitudes .
Anonymous, April 15, 2015 9:29 PM
and unfair to US and Europe
So you are proposing that Israel go to war with a billion Muslims?
It has been my impression that Israel always regarded the US as its foremost ally. If Israel thinks the US is a simpering coward, then stop accepting foreign aid, do not send the PM to address Congress, etc.
(5) caryn, April 14, 2015 4:22 PM
thank you
thank you for your honesty and courage and for publicizing the truth. especially in a time where anit-Semitism is rising again and there are many who deny the Holocaust occurred.
(4) Benjamin Israel, April 14, 2015 3:36 PM
Thank You for Sharing
In a time when anti-Semitism is again on the rise, and people alternatively deny or advocate for another holocaust, your story is important on many levels. Tikun Olam (fixing the world) starts in our respective back yards. Thank you for sharing your inspiring personal garden!
(3) Martha Trowbridge, April 14, 2015 3:28 PM
Truth for our times -
Bravo, Aish, for featuring Derek's vital work. Super bravo, Derek, for your moral strength, perseverance, and bravery.
howard yagerman, April 14, 2015 6:04 PM
IBM and the Nazis
It recently came to my attention when reading a work of fiction that IBM during the war assisted the Nazis with the demographic to round up the Jews.The numbers on the prisoners at Auschvitz were devised by IBM and were the forerunner to bar codes.Google Nazis and IBM and the is a wealth of documented evidence proving this connection.In fact Thomas Watson and Adolph Hitler were friends.Why has this gone unknown and unprosecuted?
(2) Dovid, April 14, 2015 3:20 PM
Only the beginning of Teshuva
Repentant Gentiles have a big problem. Their lives are more defined by Repentance, than Teshuva. Teshuva is a Return, Repentance is more of a regret for the sin. I was giving thought to how a Jew eats meat (other than liver) after the meat has been salted and soaked to remove the blood. In part, this is in order to sensitize us to the taking of life. Without Kashruth sensitizing a Jew to the stark fact that an animal was killed for their gustatory satisfaction, a Jew might give no more thought to non Jews to the taking of life. The wholesale slaughter of people has come from societies where there has been a lack of sensitivity to killing, whether animals or humans. Although Moslems have Halal, it does not seem to necessarily make its practitioners especially sensitive to the taking of life, given the amount of violence perpetrated by so-called religious Moslems.
Getting back to the author, now, he should want to study Teshuva and learn what steps are necessary to complete the process of redemption necessitated by the crimes against humanity perpetrated by his grandfather.
Non Jews have to embrace Vegetarianism to even come close to this sensitivity.
Boca Mom, April 17, 2015 7:59 PM
He has
Did you read the whole article? He says he wrote the book and will continue to teach people the truth. Those ARE the next steps. As the holocaust survivors die out, if a grandchild of a Nazi war criminal admits the horrors of what happens, educates others about how bad it was and can be alive longer that the victims to talk about it, he is doing quite a bit more than most people! I commend that attitude of his greatly, he is trying very hard to bring something good out of the bad.
(1) myrna solganick, April 14, 2015 3:07 PM
And yet today..
And yet today there are not only many episodes of anti semitism, they are increasing. If the Holocaust has not taught the world what humanity needs to know, then I fear nothing will. Anti semitism, and racism are crimes against humanity that, it seems, will never be completely brought to justice.