A Collective reckoning: German CEOs Acknowledge Complicity in Nazi Era

In a historic move, the heads of nearly fifty prominent German corporations have issued a formal apology for their companies’ roles in supporting and profiting from the Nazi regime during World War II. This unprecedented statement, published on the 80th anniversary of the war’s end in Europe, marks a meaningful step towards acknowledging and confronting a dark chapter in German history.

The Weight of History: Acknowledging Failure and Obligation

The apology, printed in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, directly addresses the failures that allowed the Nazi party to seize power in 1933. The signatories, including CEOs from industry giants such as Adidas, Bayer, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, concede that German businesses actively contributed to the consolidation of Nazi rule.

the seizure of power by the National Socialists in 1933 would not be possible without the failure of the decision -making, the army, the judiciary and the economy at that time. German companies have helped to consolidate the management of National Socialists. Concerned about their own benefits, many companies and their then leaders joined all this.

The statement emphasizes that many companies, driven by self-interest, aligned themselves with the Nazi regime, thereby enabling its atrocities. This admission of guilt is a crucial element of the apology.

Commitment to Democracy: A Pledge against Hatred and Anti-Semitism

Beyond acknowledging past wrongs, the corporate leaders pledge to actively combat hatred, exclusion, and anti-Semitism in all its forms. They recognize the fragility of democracy and the importance of remembering the crimes of the Nazi era to prevent their recurrence. This commitment comes at a time when, according to a recent report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), anti-Semitic incidents are on the rise globally, underscoring the urgency of their message.

Today, as German companies, we are responsible to make the memory of the Nazi era crimes Vidima. Because these crimes remind us again and again to realize the fragility of democracy. Together we oppose hatred, exclusion and anti -Semitism. We should not and there will be no forgetting the past.

The statement also highlights the importance of defending the achievements of European integration, the rule of law, and freedom, which were secured after the end of the Cold War. It calls for active participation and courage in upholding democratic values, emphasizing that silence and indifference can have devastating consequences.

Global Response: World Jewish Congress Praises “Significant Commitment”

The World Jewish Congress (WJC) has lauded the apology as a “significant commitment” and an “unprecedented statement” from the leaders of Germany’s most prominent companies. WJC President Ronald S. Lauder described it as a “remarkable and bold act of conscience” that confronts the darkest chapter in the companies’ pasts.

Ronald S. Lauder,President of the World Jewish Congress: At a time when extremism is reinforced in Europe and around the world,this kind of clarity,moral leadership and memory are essential. We will never allow another Holocaust to happen.

the WJC emphasized the importance of moral leadership and memory, notably in the face of rising extremism worldwide. The organization stressed the need to ensure that history is not repeated and that the horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten.

list of Signatories

The following CEOs signed the letter of apology:

• Bjorn Gulden, CEO of Adidas
• oliver Bate, CEO of Allianz SE
• martin Babilas, CEO, ALWAYTH WE ARE NOT
• Marcus Camite, CEO of Basf se
• Bill Anderson, CEO, Bayer AG
• Vincent Warnari, CEO of Beiersdorf AG
• Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW Group
• Christian Colpiner, CEO, Burntag se
• Betina Eagle, CEO, CEO, Commerzbank AG
• Nikolai Tsetzer, CEO of Continental AG
• Karin Rodstrom, CEO, Daimler Truck AG
• Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG
• Christian Zeving, CEO, deutsche Bank AG
• Stefan Lightner, CEO of Deutsche Börse AG
• Tim Hotges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom AG
• Tobias Mayer, CEO of DHL Group
• Carl Jotker, personally responsible partner of Dr. August Oetker Kg
• Leo Birnbaum, CEO of E.on it
• Christian Kulman, CEO, CEO, Evonik Industries AG
• Stefan Clabert, CEO of GEA Group AG
• Clemens Jungsthaffel, CEO, Hannover Re SE
• Dominic von ahten, CEO, Heidelberg Materials AG
• Carsten Knobel, CEO, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
• Daniel Gruder, CEO, HUGO BOSS AG
• Klaus Raynerberger, CEO, LEONI AG
• Carsten Shopor, CEO of Lufthansa Group
• Alexander Nashap, CEO, CEO, MAN truck & Bus SE
• Ola Kelenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz AG
• Belen Garyho, CEO, Mercck kga
• Lars Wagner, CEO, Man Aero Engines Ag
• Joachim Vening, CEO, Munich reinsurance company
• Lionel Suk, CEO, Row Group
• Armin Paperger, CEO, Rheinmetall AG
• Stefan Khartung, Chairman of the Management Board, Robert Bosch GmbH
• Norbert Rollinger, CEO, R+V Versicherung AG
• Marcus Kreber, CEO of Of ag
• Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG
• Torsten der, CEO, Schott AG
• Roland Bush, CEO of Siemens AG
• Christian Bruch, CEO of Siemens Energy AG
• Bernd Montag, CEO of Siemens Healthineers AG
• Johen Burg, CEO, SMS group GmbH
• Miguel Angel Lopez Borego, CEO, thyssenkrupp AG
• Nikola Lebinger-Kamuler, CEO, trumpf SE + Co. Kg
• Michael Louis, CEO, uniper se
• Oliver Bloom, CEO of Volkswagen AG And porsche AG
• Rolf buh, CEO, Vonovia AG
• Christian Hartel, CEO of wacker Chemie AG.