We are what we remember

Something is wrong in an engagement with Auschwitz, if it is not, again and again, deeply disturbing – or at least every once in a while. How can a person of a later generation, after that of the perpetrators, who has not studied the Holocaust scientifically, approach the 'abyss of history' (Paul Valéry)? For me personally this was only possible through a chorus of different voices trying to enter into a dialogue with each other: explaining historically, arguing, desperately questioning, clamoring and accusing, struggling for truth, pleading for reconciliation and hopeful for the future. In order to demonstrate the magnitude of this evil, however, the hate-filled disdain, prejudice and cynicism in the statements of the perpetrators had to be included as well – difficult though this sometimes was. This collection is meant as a contribution to ensure that we continue to face up to historical responsibility and build a collective cultural memory which is reliable and durable and, at the same time, forms an 'orientation culture' for the generations to come.