By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In acknowledgement of its historical role, Lufthansa has commissioned an exhaustive scientific study into its involvement during the National Socialist era, particularly concerning the exploitation of forced laborers. The airline’s CEO has stated that Lufthansa was unequivocally “part of the system,” encompassing its clandestine rearmament, integration into the Nazi war economy, and the unscrupulous use of forced labor. This new analysis, to be published as a book and accompanied by an exhibition, critically examines this period, a retrospective step infrequently undertaken by German companies. Historians have described the former Luft Hansa’s close ties to the Nazi regime as a “symbiosis” that ultimately led to its collapse with the end of the war.
Read the original article here
Lufthansa’s acknowledgment of its clear involvement in the Nazi system is a significant moment, and it’s understandable why this is being discussed now. The very fact that the company was allowed to operate within Germany between 1939 and 1945 inherently places it within the framework of the Nazi regime. This isn’t a point of debate; it’s a historical reality.
For many, the idea of a company like Lufthansa, a symbol of modern German efficiency, being linked to such a dark period is a lot to process. It’s easy to get caught up in the historical details and feel a sense of shock, but perhaps the more constructive path is to understand that many major German corporations, from Volkswagen and BMW to Hugo Boss, were indeed complicit or actively assisted the Nazis during that era. This wasn’t an isolated incident but a widespread participation in the system.
It’s crucial to recognize that the individuals running Lufthansa today have absolutely no personal connection to the atrocities of Nazi Germany or the Holocaust. The world has moved on, and Germany, in particular, has made significant strides in confronting its past. The German people have, for the most part, acknowledged the horrors committed by previous generations and have worked to build a better, more inclusive society. This willingness to face and learn from past mistakes is something to be respected.
The notion that this acknowledgment is somehow a distraction or unhelpful is a complex one. While it’s true that there are contemporary antisemites and hate groups that need to be addressed, ignoring historical complicity doesn’t necessarily serve to protect Jewish people or combat hate. Instead, understanding how institutions and corporations were intertwined with oppressive regimes can offer valuable lessons for the present.
The comparison to other historical injustices, like the displacement of Celtic people by Saxons, highlights the broad scope of historical wrongs committed by various groups. While it’s a valid point that past actions shouldn’t necessarily lead to endless recrimination, especially for current generations, there’s a difference between acknowledging a historical fact and demanding present-day reparations for events that occurred centuries ago. The key lies in finding a balance.
Some argue that this is old news, that the involvement of German companies with the Nazis was widely known, even documented through newsreels of Hitler using Lufthansa’s aircraft. This historical participation wasn’t limited to transport; it often involved espionage, support for military actions, and even the exploitation of forced labor. The fact that Lufthansa, as a state flag carrier, was so deeply integrated with the Nazi regime makes this acknowledgment, even if late, a step towards a more complete understanding of that era.
There’s a discussion to be had about the ethical implications for corporations that benefited from such historical actions. While current leadership may be innocent of any wrongdoing, the legacy of their predecessors and the way companies achieved their size and success cannot be entirely divorced from their past. This is where the idea of corporate accountability, distinct from individual accountability, comes into play. Corporations, after all, are not people.
Many German companies, like BMW and the even more infamous IG Farben (which included Bayer), have been notably upfront about their roles during the Nazi era. Museums and corporate histories often detail the use of slave labor and the complicity in war crimes. This transparency, while painful, allows for learning and a path towards genuine reconciliation. It allows future generations to understand the gravity of those actions.
The argument that focusing on historical Nazism is a distraction from present-day issues, such as the rise of far-right movements in various countries, is a valid concern for some. The analogy of calling out Lufthansa while ignoring the present-day “MAGA system” in the US, for example, points to a perceived hypocrisy or a misplaced focus. However, for others, understanding the historical roots of systemic evil can provide valuable context for contemporary threats.
It’s true that some German companies have been very proactive in confronting their past. Their corporate websites often include detailed historical accounts, even for the difficult years between 1933 and 1945, where other companies might leave a blank. This acknowledgment is seen by many not as a weakness, but as a sign of maturity and a commitment to learning from history. It’s a rare and commendable act in a world where many corporations still remain silent on their historical complicity.
However, it’s also important to acknowledge that not all Germans have fully reckoned with their past, and that antisemitism and far-right ideologies sadly persist in some parts of Germany. The idea that de-Nazification was a complete and successful process is, for some, a myth. Many individuals who were part of the Nazi regime were able to continue their careers and influence after the war, and this legacy continues to be felt.
The question of whether acknowledging historical involvement, even by a corporation, is helpful or necessary is subjective. For some, it’s a matter of basic honesty and a crucial step in preventing the repetition of history. For others, particularly those who are not directly affected by the historical events, it may feel like dwelling on the past unnecessarily. Yet, the very fact that Lufthansa has made this acknowledgment suggests it’s seen as a necessary step, perhaps driven by a growing awareness or external pressure.
Ultimately, the acknowledgment by Lufthansa serves as a reminder that history is not always a clean slate. Corporations, like individuals, have legacies that can be complex and difficult. The conversation around Lufthansa’s past participation in the Nazi system prompts us to consider how we grapple with historical truths, the importance of corporate responsibility, and the ongoing relevance of learning from the darkest chapters of human history to ensure that they are never repeated.