The current problem in West Germany is not anti-Semitism but the broader issue of making democracy take root and grow as a way of life. This was the conclusion of a panel discussion here on West Germany sponsored by the American Council on Germany and the Atlantic Bruecke, a group promoting German-American amity.
The expansion of democracy as a way of life in West Germany was described as basic to education on the Nazi era by Benjamin Epstein, national director of the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith. Irving M. Engel, honorary president of the American Jewish Committee, similarly warned against “isolated teaching” of Nazi atrocities to German youth and advocated teaching of recent German history in a larger context and the development of youthful attitudes “conducive to the growth of democracy.”
Participating in the discussions were also Dr. Carlo Schmid, vice-president of the Bundestag; Dr. George Shuster, president of the American Council on Germany; and Dr. Arnold Bergstraesser, president of the Atlantic Bruecke. It appeared to the participants that there was greater concern over teachers and teaching methods because of the swastika plague which erupted among elements of German youth beginning in December, 1959. The need for adult education was stressed.
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