Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Can the Holocaust be forgiven?
Position‹2 of 2

The Holocaust can be forgiven

In an extremely oppressive regime, Nazi soldiers, the Jewish council, and Hitler Youth were forced to comply out of fear or indoctrination. If they did not comply, their families and their own lives would be at risk.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. Holocaust perpetrators were brainwashed so they can be forgiven
    Soldiers and impressionable children were undoubtedly a target of the Nazi regime. They were brainwashed into believing that what they were doing was for the good of Germany.
  2. Refusing to forgive the Holocaust gives more power to the oppressor
    It is far more empowering to forgive someone by your own choice rather than waiting for the perpetrator to ask for forgiveness. By doing so, this puts the victim's healing in their own hands.
  3. Normal people were simply following orders during the Holocaust
    When faced with the option of kill or be killed, Nazi soldiers had no choice but to follow the orders given to them.