What this cemetery teaches us
#315
My Dear Friend of Democracy,
During a hike on the weekend, I passed by this former Jewish cemetery in the city of Brandenburg, which is in the federal state of Brandenburg.
The cemetery has not been "in operation" for a long time. Because after the end of the Nazi era there were hardly any Jews left in Germany (who could have died).
So today, the former cemetery is a reminder that a functioning democracy can always be recognized by the protection of minorities.
Because contrary to what we sometimes think, the heart of democracy is not the majority decision. Democracy is not majority over minority. The majority decision is simply the more (the will of the people is taken into account) or less (decisions are made against the will of many people) successful means of pouring the people's will into politics. Majority voting is, therefore, an instrument (with some disadvantages) for executing democracy.
At its core, however, democracy means that people can follow their wishes and desires. All people. For this, everyone needs the same rights and opportunities. Where these opportunities and rights only apply to the majority, democracy has already eroded. The next step is that it is no longer the majority but only a minority - those in power - who enjoy privileges, freedom and a good life. At the expense of the majority.
The former Jewish cemetery in Brandenburg is a reminder of the catastrophic extent that such a concentration of power can take.
It starts when we do not see minorities as equals.
See you in Germany,
Johannes Eber
📸 Brandenburg, Germany / 1 March 2025