German-born historian: I hope that the road leading to German WWII reparations will open
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
German-born professor of history Hagen Fleischer expressed the hope that the road of German World War II (WWII) reparations to Greece will open, but also expressed his concern about the refugee problem of Europe. He did this in a public lecture in Ioannina. Fleischer has studied extensively the historical events of WWII.
Hagen Fleischer was the main speaker in an event that took place in Ioannina, in honor and in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Professor Fleischer began his lecture by referring to the visit of the President of Germany Joachim Gauck to the nearby martyr village of Liggiades, one year and a half ago, and proceeded to make several references to the “unique” in the annals of human history, Nazi barbarism but also to the messages that emanate from the historical events, stressing that the subject was relevant and remains so, to the events of the present day.
Fleischer considers that in the matter of German WWII reparations to Greece, a matter of “enormous importance”, neither side has done anything of substance.
“From the German side this is understandable, because the debtor does not remember, or tries not to remember debts, the moral ones as well as the material ones. The Greek side woke up very late. In retrospect, it is very easy to criticize and to accuse. From the end of WWII—and essentially all of modern times—Greece had problems, while Germany after a lost war, became very fast an economic superpower and unfortunately exploited this position”, he said.
However, he said, Greece was subjected to political blackmail when she entered the large European family, and in the name of a new beginning, a painful past had to be written off, while he added that “when you are not part of the game it is easy to throw stones at those who are in it”.
We asked Professor Fleischer if the “forgiveness” asked for from the Greek people, in March 2014, by German President Joachim Gauck, while visiting the village of Liggiades, could open the way, that is contribute positively in the matter of German reparations.
“Asking for forgiveness is not enough, but there is nothing he can do from his position, he does not have, for example, the power that the American president has. Nevertheless, he is the first German official that has asked for forgiveness. This was not liked by many people back in his country. He is the subject of negative comments, and of ridicule. They say a pastor is speaking about the sins of Germans. There are many who do not like what he said. However, I hope that, yes, the road leading to reparations will open”.
Hagen Fleischer, a 72-year-old professor who became a Greek citizen 30 years ago, expressed his worries about the several events taking place all over Europe, concerning poverty and immigration.
He said specifically: “I am afraid. I worry about the young people. I may not be alive to see these fears materialize. However, I do worry”.
M. Tzora, ANA-MNA, Ioannina.
Editor’s note: A brief history, with links, of the Romaniote Jewish Community of Ioannina may be found at:
while an account of the Nazi massacre in Liggiades can be found (in Greek) at