German Child Survivors in Action

On 13 April 2001, the Association of Child Survivors in Germany (Child Survivors Deutschland, CSD) was established, nearly fifty-five years after the end of the Holocaust. The group, initially modest in its aims, soon became an invaluable new organization, which served as a kind of “surrogate family,” for many survivors. It offered them a retreat, as well as much needed social and emotional support. Survivors could provide each other with a common understanding of their shared experiences. Yet in the years since the establishment of this group, the rise of far right-wing extremists and the mainstream acceptance of nationalistic political policies has become a cause for serious concern. As a result, the CSD has attempted to move from an inward focused support group, to a more active socio-political organization, which aims to make its voice heard to the broader German public.