IAC :: Remember the past, be responsible for the future

Stauffenbergstraße 13/14
10785 Berlin
Germany

fon: ++ 49 (030) 26 39 26 81
Telefax: ++ 49 (030) 26 39 26 83

URI: https://www.auschwitz.info/

Service navigation:
 
language navigation:
 
language navigation:
 
 
 
 
 

Press Information published by the International Auschwitz Committee

30.01.2023

90 years since so-called seizure of power by National Socialists in Germany

 
 
Der Angriff - Das deutsche Abendblatt, Berlin 30 Jan.1933: National Socialistt seizure of power in Germany. Image: Mabit1, evening edition of Der Angriff, CC BY-SA 4.0

Der Angriff - Das deutsche Abendblatt, Berlin 30 Jan.1933: National Socialistt seizure of power in Germany. Image: Mabit1, evening edition of Der Angriff, CC BY-SA 4.0

 

 

 

While in Chemnitz, Christoph Heubner, Executive Vice President of the International Auschwitz Committee, gave a statement on the 90th anniversary of the so-called seizure of power by the National Socialists in Germany:

“The Jewish survivors of the German concentration and extermination camps are remembering this day as one that marked the end:

For them, 30 January 1933 was the beginning of the end, the beginning of their path to the torture chambers and Auschwitz. They experienced how, within just a few weeks, their freedom and the republic were torn to shreds, and they experienced how their familiar neighbours were suddenly transformed and started pouring hatred on them. If not that, then they became bystanders, watching the victims’, witnessing their fear, their exclusion and their persecution with cold indifference.

The ones who decided to resist were a very small minority who themselves had to experience how once mighty organizations, such as the trades unions, were brought under control, then destroyed and plundered. The opponents were herded into the Nazi concentration camps as well, where they were helplessly exposed to the arbitrary hatred, sadistic violence and murderous whims of their guards.

It is for this reason that this day is one of warning, with the addition of a large exclamation mark in the calendar of democracy.

Democracy and the republic crucially rely on citizens who value and protect them. Democracy and the republic also need a robust state whose institutions keep a close eye on the enemies of democracy and defend the republic. Consequently, far-right attitudes and behaviour of individual groups within these institutions – such as the police and the armed forces – are extremely dangerous and destructive.  And this all forms the lessons from which we need to learn, not only in Germany, but throughout Europe, on this 30 January 2023.”

 
 
 

For further Information

Christoph Heubner

Executive Vice President
International Auschwitz Committee
Phone ++ 49 (0)30 26 39 26 81