During a recent visit to Berlin, after work meetings, I explored the city’s historical landmarks, including Hitler’s last bunker and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. These sites symbolize Germany’s commitment to remembering its past without denial, fostering collective reckoning and moral responsibility.
Berlin’s approach shows how memorials serve as tools for education, cultural reflection, and national healing by reminding citizens of the horrors of racism, dictatorship, and extremism. This transparent acknowledgment contrasts starkly with many Arab societies, which have endured years of conflict and violence, including recent escalations affecting Palestinians.
As wars end, Arab societies must confront difficult questions about whom their future generations will remember—as heroes or as sources of devastation. We need a new collective memory built on truth and respect for victims through museums, curricula, films, and public dialogue to promote peace and prevent repeating mistakes.
Germany’s example offers hope that societies can face their histories honestly and create unified narratives that protect future generations. It is a call to rethink how Arab nations commemorate their past for the sake of a better, more peaceful future.
About the author:
Ragy Amer is a writer, academic, and media advisor to Egyptian universities. He hosts Egyptian Radio programs and has published extensively in Egyptian media.
Source: Daily News Egypt