Bergen-Belsen survivors in Gaza: more sympathy hoped for
The organization of Bergen-Belsen survivors in Israel would like to see more sympathy from the state government of Lower Saxony for the survivors of the Nazi crimes in the Gaza war. Since the Hamas massacre on 7 October, Prime Minister Stephan Weil "does not consider it appropriate to examine how the community of Belsen survivors is faring during the war", said the organization's Vice President Arie Olewski according to a press release. Lower Saxony's deputy government spokeswoman Kathrin Riggert emphasized that the SPD politician had publicly and in personal conversations expressed his sympathy and solidarity with Jews.
Weil had "condemned the brutal attack in the strongest terms" immediately afterwards and then again and again, she emphasized. "When the Minister President learned of the request for a telephone call from the Bergen-Belsen survivors' organization, he tried to arrange a meeting," she explained. "The Minister President regrets that such a meeting has now not taken place." According to the organization, Weil asked for an appointment for a telephone conversation after he had experienced fierce protest.
The Bergen-Belsen concentration camp was liberated by the British army on April 15, 1945. Around 53,000 people were liberated, but for many, help came too late. Anne Frank, known for her diary, also lies in one of the mass graves. In total, around 52,000 people died in the camp and immediately after liberation, in addition to almost 20,000 deaths in the adjacent prisoner of war camp.
The Bergen-Belsen survivors' organization criticizes the lack of government attention towards their plight during the Gaza conflict, viewing it as a religious and political issue that requires intervention from the German government. Despite Prime Minister Weil's public condemnation of the violence, the organization feels that his refusal to engage in direct dialogues indicates a lack of understanding and commitment towards mitigating the conflicts stemming from religion and politics.
Source: www.dpa.com
