Q&A: German Loathing
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
German Loathing
Question
The Torah says (roughly), “You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you were a stranger in his land.” Does that mean it is because we lived in his land? And if so, then by that same logic would it be proper not to abhor a German, because you were a stranger in his land? Even though they burned your children?
Answer
It is indeed difficult. Perhaps the intent is that the suffering they caused us should be judged separately from the good we received from them. One may not deny the good, even if they also caused us suffering. This requires further consideration.
Unlike the Germans, our settling in the land of Egypt was, from the outset, established as a festive act of hospitality and the provision of food for Jacob’s family, including the children. Even the enslavement itself was carried out by the regime, and the people had no ability to defy Pharaoh the god. For that, gratitude is due. What does that have to do with German evil?