Germany's Memory Culture and Collective Identity

Germany's post-World War II identity is deeply intertwined with its collective memory and efforts at contrition for the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. The institutionalization of a Shoah-centered memory allows Germany to present itself as a nation committed to remembering and honoring its past, exemplified by memorials like the one near the Brandenburg Gate. However, this public remembrance is contrasted by a troubling hypocrisy in current political actions, particularly in the context of Germany's military and diplomatic support for Israel. Leaders often recite phrases about human rights while simultaneously overlooking the impact of their support on civilian lives in conflict zones.