The Nazi death camp at Buchenwald and the nearby factory where mass-murder “ovens” were built and designed for Auschwitz are some of Germany’s darkest reminders of the Holocaust. The groups who run the public memorials at the sites are determined to use them to make sure their history remains in the past. But in recent years, as the far right has gained support and the memorials have broadened their work educating about the Holocaust to efforts against racism and xenophobia, they’re increasingly in the firing line — so much so that after speaking out publicly against the AfD recently, the Buchenwald memorial director has received death threats. Valerie Hamilton reports.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!