Language:
German
Year of publication:
2000
Titel der Quelle:
Tribüne; Zeitschrift zum Verständnis des Judentums
Angaben zur Quelle:
153 (2000) 133-149
Keywords:
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Influence
;
Holocaust (Jewish theology)
Abstract:
Examines the meaning of the term "Auschwitz". Criticizes its current trivialization, as well as its use for atrocities in places like Kosovo and Uganda; Auschwitz can help us understand these, but the comparison is only partial. The term "Auschwitz" usually includes the other concentration and extermination camps, different as they were; does it also include massacres, death in ghettos, euthanasia? Discusses the problem of authenticity in transmission of the experience of Auschwitz, whether in writing (even by survivors) or in visits to the sites; yet these are helpful in arousing awareness. Warns against allowing "Auschwitz" to become an abstraction that covers up the concrete reality, or misusing it for ideological purposes. Our helplessness in the face of Auschwitz will remain; but we can no longer understand the world without it.
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
