Albrecht Weinberg, a Holocaust survivor, has made the heartbreaking decision to return his Bundesverdienstkreuz following the recent political maneuverings by Germany's CDU party, which garnered support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to pass stricter migration laws. At 99 years old, this decision reflects not just personal grief but also deep political disillusionment.
Weinberg, who survived three concentration camps and witnessed the horrific murder of nearly his entire family during the Nazi regime, conveyed his sense of betrayal and sadness. "It is too heavy to bear when faced with such news," Weinberg remarked, reflecting on the Bundestag's vote which he perceives as being at odds with the values championed by survivors of the Holocaust.
The backdrop to Weinberg's decision is particularly poignant. The Bundestag’s recent approval of a five-point plan proposed by the CDU to tighten immigration policies passed with the support of the AfD—a party often described as having ties to right-wing extremism. This marks not just another contentious vote; it is seen as crossing a significant line for many, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who criticized the collaboration with the AfD.
Luigi Toscano, the Mannheim photographer known for his advocacy against forgetting the Holocaust, has joined Weinberg’s cause, expressing similar outrage. Toscano announced on social media, "The CDU has betrayed our democratic values," as he confirmed his decision to return his award alongside Weinberg. Their mutual pledge to return their medals stems from their belief in preserving democratic ideals, which they feel are under threat.
Weinberg’s legacy as a speaker and educator is significant. He has spent years sharing his painful memories with students across Germany, ensuring future generations understand the serious consequences of hatred and indifference. "For the last ten years, I've been visiting schools, telling students what it could mean if the far-right were to gain power again," he said, emphasizing the importance of active remembrance.
The Bundestag vote has sparked widespread condemnation, not just from the former ruling party but also from members of various political spectrums. Current Chancellor Olaf Scholz characterized the vote as "a bad sign for Parliament and for our country," signaling discontent with the government’s shift toward alliances viewed as extremist. Other political figures from the Green party expressed horror at witnessing the mainstreaming of the far-right within legislative practices.
Weinberg, expressing what many feel, stated, "It's shocking how history seems to be repeating itself. I don’t understand how such things can happen after everything we lived through. It’s unbelievable.” His powerful testimony serves as both warning and reminder of the fragility of democracy.
Plans for the formal return of their Bundesverdienstkreuze include potentially meeting with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Toscano, indicating the seriousness of their protest, said, "Either he will meet us, or we will drop the medals in his mailbox.” This gestures toward the dire importance of their struggle as one deeply rooted not only in personal histories, but also collective societal responsibilities.
Both survivors are resolute—not only do they wish to return their awards, but they aim to underline the ethical weight these symbols carry against shifting political tides. Toscano articulated this poignantly: "The issues we face with migration are significant, but we cannot resolve them with the aid of those who hold extremist views. The symbolism and dangers of what transpired are devastating—what happened yesterday should never be normalized.”
By standing up for their beliefs and returning their medals, Weinberg and Toscano hope to spark dialogue about the importance of safeguarding democratic values, especially at times when they feel threatened. Their commitment serves as both inspiration and admonition to society—to never forget the lessons of history and to remain vigilant against the rise of extremism.
The societal reaction continues to be palpable, but for Weinberg and Toscano, the fight is personal. Their histories compel them to resist any encroachment on the ideals they fought so hard to uphold, reminding us all of the need for remembrance and the constant pursuit of justice and equality in democracy.