In Berlin History, Adolf Eichmann is a name connected to darker times for Germany during World War II. Lest we forget.
On a day where the sun shines brightly in Berlin and people walk around freely enjoying the rays or dipping into one of the many lakes, one of the most celebrated captures, SS commander Adolf Eichmann, the administrator of the so-called ”final solution”, was hanged in 1962 outside of Tel Aviv, Israel.
Eichmann was responsible, in part, for the mass exportation of Jews during World War II. Eichmann said towards the end of the war that he would:
“leap laughing into the grave because the feeling that he had five million people on his conscience would be for him a source of extraordinary satisfaction.”
Following the end of the war in 1945, Eichmann fled to Austria and then in 1950, to Argentina. Israeli intelligence confirmed Eichmann’s location in 1960 when agents captured Eichmann and brought him to Israel to stand trial. His life has been the subject of many books, including “Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil”
During his trial, Eichmann pretended to be apolitical, but he came from a strongly German nationalist family. Like many Germans, his father lost his wealth during the post-war economic crisis and had the embittering experience of starting all over again. He enrolled his son in the Wandervogel youth movement which, while ostensibly apolitical, was strongly imbued with völkisch ideas about the Heimat (homeland). Later, Eichmann joined the Linz branch of the Heimschutz, a right-wing paramilitary association of army veterans. He considered joining a Masonic club that recommended itself to him because it excluded Jews.
Although the SS commander and many other suspected war criminals have been brought to justice, there were some high ranking officials who were not captured and based on theories, may or may not have passed away. Either way, the stain of their shameful past will not fade away – lest we forget.
Berlin walking tours by Fork and Walk Berlin are focused on providing guests with a combination of food, culture, and history. The second world war is ingrained into the history of Berlin and it makes a fascinating backdrop to the food culture of what is now a very vibrant city. Within Berlin History Adolf Eichmann is synonymous with the Nazi history during World War II. Guests will be spoilt with the combination of local knowledge and history that underpins Berlin in the present day.
Don’t forget to come join us on a tour to learn about the rich food and great history of Berlin!
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Berlin Walking Tours | info@forkandwalktoursberlin.com
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