Germany Reflects on the Past, Compensates Holocaust Survivors with 1.8 Trillion Won

70th Anniversary of the Luxembourg Agreement Highlights Special Responsibilities of Past, Present, and Future
First Support for Holocaust Education... Compensation Amounts to 112 Trillion Won Since 1952

On the 15th (local time), Chancellor Scholz is speaking at the '70th Anniversary of the Luxembourg Agreement' event held in Berlin. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] "What is more terrible than Auschwitz is the world forgetting Auschwitz."

The German government, which has consistently reflected on the Holocaust?the genocide of Jews perpetrated by Nazi Germany during World War II?has now decided to pay compensation amounting to 1.8 trillion KRW to survivors.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 15th (local time), the 'Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany,' an organization supporting Jews affected by Nazi Germany, agreed that the German government will pay approximately 1.3 billion euros (about 1.8 trillion KRW) to Holocaust victims worldwide.

The Holocaust refers to the genocide committed by Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1945 with the aim of eradicating the Jewish people and culture. During the Nazi regime, more than six million European Jews were killed by the Nazis and their collaborators.

The signing of the Luxembourg Agreement at that time sparked fierce controversy. In Israel, it even led to violent protests, with some opposing compensation payments, arguing that receiving money for the bloodshed was tantamount to forgiving Nazi crimes.

However, it was the first time in history that a defeated country compensated civilians for their losses and suffering.

◆ Germany faithfully implements the Luxembourg Agreement

This announcement was made at the 70th anniversary event of the 'Luxembourg Agreement,' which laid the foundation for compensation payments to Holocaust victims by Germany in 1952.

On the 15th (local time), the German government invited hundreds of guests, including Holocaust survivors and members of the Claims Conference, to a ceremony held at the Jewish Museum Berlin to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the agreement, emphasizing Germany's special responsibility for the past, present, and future.

The event was attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Finance Minister Christian Lindner, among others.

Chancellor Scholz stated, "It is clear to all stakeholders that this agreement cannot absolve the heavy responsibility that Germans have brought upon themselves," adding, "Rather, the Luxembourg Agreement is an attempt to take moral responsibility for moral failure and to clarify that what ultimately prevails is humanity, not inhumanity."

He also mentioned that as the number of Holocaust survivors decreases, supporting education about the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany against Jews is becoming increasingly important.

Minister Lindner explained that the German government is considering how to reorganize related activities in preparation for a time when no Holocaust survivors remain.

◆ German government provides funding for Holocaust history education for the first time

Germany has also decided to support Holocaust history education for the first time. This decision reflects academic voices emphasizing the importance of teaching future generations about the brutal acts committed during the Jewish genocide as survivors gradually pass away.

In fact, recent surveys have shown that a significant number of young people in the United States and Europe generally lack knowledge about the Holocaust.

Accordingly, Germany plans to provide 100 million euros (about 140 billion KRW) over four years for the first time: 10 million euros in 2022, 25 million euros in 2023, 30 million euros in 2024, and 35 million euros in 2025.

Meanwhile, the German government has continuously acknowledged its responsibility for the Holocaust and paid compensation to affected Jews based on the Luxembourg Agreement. The total amount paid to date has reached 80 billion euros (about 111.9 trillion KRW).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.