The Association of Victims of the Nazi Regime has accused the government of ignoring the law by its failure to ban HIAG, the umbrella organization of former Waffen SS members.
In a letter to Interior Minister Friedreich Zimmerman, the group cited Paragraph 139 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic which outlaws a-priori, all successor organizations to the SS and SA. The letter protested the upcoming annual reunion of former members of the Waffen SS “Totenkopf” (Deaths Head) unit in Oberaula, a town in Hesse.
Kurt Erlebach, chairman of the Association, said at a press conference that HIAG resorts to conspiratorial methods to avoid public protests against its activities. In contrast to their past practices, organizers of Waffen SS meetings use false names and fail to disclose the towns were they plan to hold reunions, he said.
Fourteen separate reunions are expected to be held all over West Germany this year. The meeting at Oberaula came to light after anti-Nazi groups protested to the town authorities for renting a public hall to the “Totenkopf” alumni.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
