In his latest article, former ambassador James D. Bindenagel critically examines the erosion of the promise made after the Holocaust: “Never again.” From a personal and historical perspective, Bindenagel shows how the universal commitment to human dignity - rooted in the horrors of Mittelbau-Dora and enshrined in German constitutional values - is increasingly threatened by modern hatred, extremist politics, and dwindling empathy.
Bindenagel argues that remembering the past must be translated into active social engagement. He warns that the loss of empathy and moral resilience not only undermines democratic values, but also carries the risk of repeating the darkest chapters of history. Bindenagel calls for a renewed commitment to empathy, human dignity, and resistance to hatred, and emphasizes the continuing relevance and urgency of the lessons of “Never Again” for Germany and the world.