Jerzy Haszczyński: Forbidden act - questioning Germany's reckoning with neo-Nazism

A recent debate centered on Jacob Kushner's book "White Terror. Neo-Nazis in Germany," translated into Polish by Mariusz Gądek, has reignited discussions about Germany's reckoning with its past. The book, which previously featured an excerpt in "Plus Minus" titled "Why more and more people are following the same path as Hitler once did," profiles three young individuals from Jena, eastern Germany, who committed murders motivated by xenophobia and engaged in bank robberies.

The narrative highlights the disturbing paradox of the group's leader, the sole female member who, despite not pulling the trigger, participated in planning the crimes, also showing affection for cats. This detail, along with others, prompts deeper reflection on the roots of such violence. The debate specifically addressed why such acts are possible in Germany, a nation with a profound historical context regarding Nazism and fascism.

Kushner, stepping beyond the role of a reporter to become an engaged publicist, argues that despite Germany's efforts to confront its past, fascism has never truly disappeared and is, in fact, gaining strength. He observes that many Germans harbor negative sentiments towards immigrants, and politicians are actively working to limit their influx. This suggests that the process of reckoning, which extends beyond attitudes toward foreigners, has been incomplete.

The article notes that the book explores the motivations behind these extremist actions, suggesting a continued presence and growth of neo-Nazi ideology within Germany. The author's thesis challenges the notion that Germany has fully overcome its historical struggles with extremism, pointing to ongoing societal and political dynamics that may foster such sentiments.