Zweierlei Holocaust

Zweierlei Holocaust der Holocaust in den politischen Kulturen Israels und Deutschlands

Discusses ideological forms of Holocaust-reception within the political cultures of Israel and Germany. Contends that each type of commemoration has imprinted the cultures of both countries, and points to correlations between them. Emphasizes the historical constellation, but also the need for critical analysis of both ideologies, and especially of the relationship between collective memory and ideology. Israel, the "state of the victims", constantly demands historical responsibility from Germany, the "state of the perpetrators". Israel claims a monopoly on the meaning of Holocaust commemoration, and Germany, feeling under obligation, avoids questioning it. Concludes that Israel's commemoration emanates from its Zionist ideology, while Germany opts for a more relativistic, dread-normalizing reception.
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