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Germany and Israel: Whitewashing and Statebuilding
According to common perception, the Federal Republic of Germany supported the formation of the Israeli state for moral reasons--to atone for its Nazi past--but did not play a significant role in the Arab-Israeli conflict. However, the historical record does not sustain this narrative.
Daniel Marwecki's pathbreaking analysis deconstructs the myths surrounding the odd alliance between Israel and post-war democratic Germany. Thorough archival research shows how German policymakers often had disingenuous, cynical or even partly antisemitic motivations, seeking to whitewash their Nazi past by supporting the new Israeli state. This is the true context of West Germany's crucial backing of Israel in the 1950s and '60s. German economic and military support greatly contributed to Israel's early consolidation and eventual regional hegemony. This initial alliance has affected Germany's role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the present day.
Marwecki reassesses German foreign policymaking and identity-shaping, and raises difficult questions about German responsibility after the Holocaust, exploring the many ways in which the genocide of European Jews and the dispossession of the Palestinians have become tragically intertwined in the Middle East's international politics. This long overdue investigation sheds new light on a major episode in the history of the modern Middle East.
Daniel Marwecki's pathbreaking analysis deconstructs the myths surrounding the odd alliance between Israel and post-war democratic Germany. Thorough archival research shows how German policymakers often had disingenuous, cynical or even partly antisemitic motivations, seeking to whitewash their Nazi past by supporting the new Israeli state. This is the true context of West Germany's crucial backing of Israel in the 1950s and '60s. German economic and military support greatly contributed to Israel's early consolidation and eventual regional hegemony. This initial alliance has affected Germany's role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the present day.
Marwecki reassesses German foreign policymaking and identity-shaping, and raises difficult questions about German responsibility after the Holocaust, exploring the many ways in which the genocide of European Jews and the dispossession of the Palestinians have become tragically intertwined in the Middle East's international politics. This long overdue investigation sheds new light on a major episode in the history of the modern Middle East.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 29, 2025
Excellent research and easy writing style that would allow the non-academic to get a good grasp of the topics. Just wish it was more comprehensive and gave more context, but understand that the research was already substantial. Highly quotable.
November 10, 2025
Want to learn why Germany's politics is so weird when it comes to Israel, and feel frustration and anger along all 238 pages?
It will not make you feel hopeful, and mind you, it was published in 2020. It's only downhill from there.
I wanted to understand Germany's side. And the book delivered. I understand Germany's actions better now. It's your regular whitewashing, profiteering and racism of different flavors. Germany is less weird for me now, or weirdly logical. I am less angry about Germany, but I'm also less hopeful. Germany is like that by design, it can't help it. German ruling class worked hard to make it this way. Can it change? Search what Ai Weiwei thinks about Germany to get an answer for this one.
There is plenty on Israel as well, and I will leave it at that.
The book is good. Easy to read, author does not mince words, full of sources and quotes, no not skip the notes. Plenty of ammo for X debates. Zero hope.
10 out of 10, probably.
It will not make you feel hopeful, and mind you, it was published in 2020. It's only downhill from there.
I wanted to understand Germany's side. And the book delivered. I understand Germany's actions better now. It's your regular whitewashing, profiteering and racism of different flavors. Germany is less weird for me now, or weirdly logical. I am less angry about Germany, but I'm also less hopeful. Germany is like that by design, it can't help it. German ruling class worked hard to make it this way. Can it change? Search what Ai Weiwei thinks about Germany to get an answer for this one.
There is plenty on Israel as well, and I will leave it at that.
The book is good. Easy to read, author does not mince words, full of sources and quotes, no not skip the notes. Plenty of ammo for X debates. Zero hope.
10 out of 10, probably.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews