National Socialism | Nazism
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Hedwig Klein and "Mein Kampf"
The unknown Arabist
During the Nazi period, Hedwig Klein worked on a dictionary intended to help with the translation of Hitler's diatribe "Mein Kampf" into Arabic. But it didn't help the Arabist: she was murdered in Auschwitz in 1942. The dictionary, however, remains a bestseller – with no mention of Klein’s fate. By Stefan Buchen
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Germany appoints an anti-Semitism commissioner
Moving in the right direction
The German Bundestag has voted to appoint a commissioner charged with combatting anti-Semitism in the hopes of quelling anti-Jewish sentiment and hate crimes in the country. But what is really needed, say critics, is a commissioner to combat racism in general. Ulrike Hummel has the details
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Muslim anti-Semitism
Pointing the finger
In the wake of Donald Trump's declaration that he would recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, enraged Muslims took to the streets in Germany, some of them chanting anti-Semitic slogans. German politicians swiftly responded, outdoing each other with each condemnation. In this essay, Stefan Buchen explains why this should not be let pass without comment
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Interview with historian David Motadel
Hitler′s Muslim stop-gaps
During the Second World War, tens of thousands of Muslims fought on the side of the National Socialists. In interview with Nastassja Shtrauchler, historian David Motadel examines the attitude of Hitler and the Nazis towards Islam and Muslims. Interview by Nastassja Shtrauchler
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Fatih Akin's film "In the Fade"
Back in the saddle
In his latest film, "In the Fade", Fatih Akin puts his leading lady through hell. The acclaimed director draws on the series of murders committed by the NSU terror cell in Germany to produce some of his best work to date. By Jochen Kurten
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Right-wing populism in Europe and the USA
Those who cry wolf
In our populist age, right-wing ideologues manage to move in high circles, muting their overt racism and disguising their bigotry beneath a lot of smart patter. But they also benefit from the lofty disdain of the liberal elites, which validates their narrative of victimisation. Commentary by Ian Buruma
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Book review: Ronen Steinke′s ″Der Muslim und die Judin″
Mohammed Helmy, ′Righteous among the Nations′
In "Der Muslim und die Judin" (The Muslim and the Jew), Ronen Steinke tracks down the story of the Egyptian doctor Mohammed Helmy, who saved the Jewish woman Anna Boros from deportation. The author recounts a daring rescue in the midst of Nazi Germany and examines the often ambivalent relations between Jews and Muslims. Ozan Zakariya Keskinkilic read the book
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Translating ″Mein Kampf″ into Arabic
Hitler′s paperchase
How the Third Reich′s plans to translate ″Mein Kampf″ into Arabic led to the creation of one of the most famous Arabic dictionaries. By Mey Dudin
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Controversial documentary on anti-Semitism
"Bibi" TV
An anti-Semitism documentary that aired recently on the German public channel ARD has come under fire for distorting the truth. To date, the ensuing debate has focused on censorship in public television broadcasting, poor communication and a commitment from the BILD tabloid newspaper to investigate the matter. But little attention has been paid to the nub of the issue: the film and its weaknesses. Commentary by Stefan Buchen
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Migration and xenophobia
Europe's refugee problem, then and now
This is not the first time that Europe has faced a wave of desparate refugees. Nor is it the first time that its response has left a lot to be desired. According to Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the continent should recall its past when considering how to deal with the people who are willing to risk everything crossing the Mediterranean to reach its shores
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The Nazi glorification of Ataturk
Ankara's shining star
The historian Stefan Ihrig's new book reveals the fascination that Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, held for Hitler and the National Socialists. Ihrig's book has caused a stir in the Turkish press. By Joseph Croitoru
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Muslims who saved Jews during World War II
The forgotten Schindlers
During the Second World War, Muslims like Si Kaddour Benghabrit and Abdul Hussain Sardari risked their lives to save many Jews from deportation. Sadly, however, their selfless actions have long been forgotten. By Emran Feroz