Language:
English
Year of publication:
1989
Titel der Quelle:
Soviet Jewish Affairs
Angaben zur Quelle:
19,1 (1989) 57-68
Keywords:
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Influence
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Influence
Abstract:
Discusses two proclamations issued in 1987, 45 years after the deportation of the majority of Slovakia's Jews. One was issued by the World Slovak Congress, an emigre organization based in Toronto, some of whose leaders were members of the Hlinka Party and Hlinka Guard and participated in wartime atrocities. The second was issued by a group of 24 Slovaks from liberal, dissident circles. Both documents express regret over the deportation of the Jews, but the first has little to say about the responsibility of the Slovak State and employs facile generalizations to explain away what happened in Slovakia. Its real purpose seems to be its offer to cooperate with Jewish organizations which can be seen as an attempt to acquire rehabilitation. In contrast, the second statement expresses responsibility of the Slovaks for the tragedy, emphasizes the immorality of the wartime actions, and begs forgiveness from the Jewish people - the first time a representative group of Slovaks spoke out openly about Slovak war crimes.
DOI:
10.1080/13501678908577626
URL:
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