[May 07, 2015] The good thing about educating ourselves on central events in history is that we can learn valuable lessons and not repeat those mistakes. It is important for leaders to learn about the Nazi Dachau Concentration Camp and its liberation in 1945; 70 years ago. It is also important that German Chancellor Angela Merkel was present just a few days ago and made a significant pledge. She promised to keep alive the memory of Nazi crimes and give no quarter to present-day anti-Semitism.1
German Chancellor Merkel is a good example of leadership in action. She doesn’t hide, obscure, or attempt to justify the evil of the German Nazi regime of the 1930s and 1940s. Fortunately for her citizens, she uses such events as the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Dachau as an opportunity to reinforce the fight against continued anti-Semitism in Germany and throughout Europe. In this, she has seen some success.
Leaders must be able to recognize evil when they see it. They must have the intestinal fortitude to stand up to it regardless of the consequences they may personally suffer and protect those who help them with the fight. The fight against anti-Semitism is a multi-dimensional battle that consumes enormous resources. Alternatively, Merkel could have ignored the history of the concentration camps or given it simple lip service; but that is not how a leader fights evil and Merkel has taken a strong stand that anti-Semitism is evil.
Chancellor Merkel provides us with another good example of a strong leader who takes on challenges head on and doesn’t flinch from criticism. Political leaders across Europe and throughout the world can learn a few things from her.
Anti-Semitism has been on the rise across the world (measured in physical attacks on Jews), largely due to anti-Israeli statements made by prominent political leaders in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Merkel advises us that we would do well to not hop on this train.
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