Ep 14. A Jew Among the Germans

"A Jew Among the Germans" is the 14th episode of season 23 of the critically acclaimed documentary series Frontline. The episode takes a closer look at Germany's ongoing efforts to come to terms with its dark past and the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime during World War II. Specifically, the episode follows the story of one man, Menachem Rosensaft, who was born in Germany to two Holocaust survivors and has dedicated his life to promoting Holocaust education and awareness.

Rosensaft is a unique figure in that he is both a Jew and a German, and has spent his life grappling with the complex legacy of the Holocaust and what it means for Germany and the world today. Throughout the episode, we see Rosensaft travel to various locations in Germany where he has been invited to speak about the Holocaust and share his personal story. We also hear from ordinary Germans who are grappling with their own feelings of guilt and responsibility for the actions of their country during the war.

One of the key themes of the episode is the ongoing struggle for Germany to come to terms with its past. Even decades after the war has ended, there are still many Germans who feel a deep sense of shame or guilt for what their countrymen did during the Holocaust. At the same time, there are also those who are tired of being constantly reminded of Germany's past and want to move on. Rosensaft himself acknowledges that it can be difficult to strike a balance between remembering the past and focusing on the future, but argues that it is necessary to do both in order to ensure that the atrocities of the Holocaust are never repeated.

Another important theme of the episode is the role of education in combating hatred and prejudice. Rosensaft has dedicated his life to promoting Holocaust education, both in the United States and around the world, and believes that it can play a crucial role in preventing future genocides. We see him speak to school children in Germany and share his family's story of survival, hoping to inspire them to take action against hatred and intolerance. We also hear from educators and experts who discuss the challenges of teaching about such a complex and emotionally charged topic, and how they are working to make Holocaust education more effective and engaging for students.

Throughout the episode, we see how Rosensaft's personal story and his tireless work to promote Holocaust education have had a profound impact on those around him. We see Germans of all ages and backgrounds listen to him speak and engage with his message, and we see how his presence has helped to spark important conversations about Germany's past and its future. Ultimately, "A Jew Among the Germans" is a powerful exploration of how we can learn from the past to create a better future, and how even the most painful histories can be transformed into stories of hope and resilience.