A joint statement acknowledging responsibility for aiding the National Socialist regime in Germany in the 1930s was signed by 49 German companies, including Siemens, Bayer, Beiersdorf, Adidas, Volkswagen, Bosch, Hugo Boss, Lufthansa, Rheinmetall, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.
The document was published by the publication Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung ahead of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It states that without the participation of businesses, Adolf Hitler's rise to power in 1933 would have been impossible.
“Today is the day when we must ask ourselves how this could have happened. The seizure of power by the National Socialists in 1933 would have been unthinkable without the failure of those making decisions in politics, the military, the judiciary, and business at that time. German companies contributed to the strengthening of the National Socialists' power. Many companies and their partners at that time were involved in this process for their own benefit.
Today, we, German companies, take responsibility for preserving the memory of the crimes of the Nazi era. For these crimes repeatedly remind us of the fragility of democracy. Together we stand against hatred, marginalization, and anti-Semitism,” stated the top managers of German companies.
The task of making the memory of the Nazi crimes of that time visible also lies with businesses, the authors believe.
“The victory of the Allies over the Nazis gave hope to an entire continent, to the whole world. European unity, the rule of law, and freedom achieved with the end of the Cold War are achievements that we must protect together. Democracy thrives on participation and dissent. This requires attitude and courage. In 1933 and later, too many remained silent, turned away, and kept silent. This creates our responsibility — for the past, for the present, and for the future,” the statement emphasizes.