Context:

The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Dachau concentration camp was commemorated, highlighting the dwindling number of Holocaust survivors and liberators who can share firsthand accounts. The rise of the far-right in Germany, particularly the Alternative for Germany (AfD), is causing concern as it gains popularity despite downplaying the Holocaust. The event also marks a shift in U.S.-Germany relations, with American leaders showing support for the AfD, which has been labeled extremist by German intelligence. There is an increase in antisemitic hate crimes in Germany, threatening the country's commitment to 'never again' allow such atrocities. Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp, served as a model for others and held over 200,000 prisoners, with more than 40,000 deaths recorded during its operation from 1933 to 1945.

Dive Deeper:

• Ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of Dachau's liberation saw survivors and liberators, now mostly in their 90s and 100s, gathering to remember the atrocities and honor those who suffered and died. The event underscores the urgency of preserving Holocaust memories as firsthand witnesses become fewer.

• The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party, has gained traction in Germany, posing a significant threat to the nation's democratic values. The party's leaders have a history of downplaying the Holocaust, raising alarms about the potential erosion of historical accountability.

• A shift in U.S.-Germany relations is evident as American political figures express support for the AfD, complicating former efforts by the U.S. to promote remembrance and accountability for the Holocaust. This change has strained the bilateral relationship and raised concerns about the international stance on historical memory.

• Antisemitic incidents are on the rise in Germany, casting doubt on the nation's commitment to preventing a recurrence of past horrors. This increase parallels the growing acceptance of far-right ideologies, challenging Germany's post-war identity and democratic foundations.

• Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp, established in 1933, and became a prototype for subsequent camps. It held over 200,000 prisoners and was responsible for more than 40,000 deaths, serving as a chilling reminder of the regime's brutality and the importance of historical remembrance.

• The U.S. soldiers who liberated Dachau were among the first to document the Nazi regime's horrors, deeply impacting their lives and shaping post-war narratives about the Holocaust. The anniversary event primarily featured families of these liberators, emphasizing the generational passage of memory.

• Concerns about preserving Holocaust memory are heightened as memorial sites face thefts and crimes, reflecting a troubling disrespect for history. Efforts to protect these sites and educate future generations are crucial as living witnesses dwindle, underscoring the ongoing struggle against historical revisionism.