NEW YORK – On the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, the World Jewish Congress (WJC) today welcomed an unprecedented statement by leaders of Germany’s most prominent companies, who together publicly acknowledged their historical responsibility during the Nazi era and reaffirmed their commitment to fighting antisemitism, extremism and hate in all its forms.
The joint statement, signed by the CEOs of more than 50 major German corporations, including Bayer, BASF, Siemens, Allianz, Deutsche Bank, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, calls for vigilance in defense of democracy and remembrance of the crimes of the Holocaust. It reflects a growing recognition within the private sector that historical accountability must be matched by moral leadership today.
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder called the joint declaration “a remarkable and courageous act of conscience from the heart of German industry.”
“This coalition of German corporate leaders has taken a profound step by confronting the darkest chapter of their companies’ pasts and by affirming their responsibility to ensure that history does not repeat itself,” Amb. Lauder said. “At a time when extremism is rising once again in Europe and around the world, this kind of clarity, moral leadership and remembrance is essential. We will never allow another Holocaust to happen.
“The World Jewish Congress looks forward to building on this partnership, together transforming remembrance into action and using Germany’s example to inspire the world. Our shared goal must be to turn difficult legacies into durable foundations for democratic, pluralistic and peaceful societies.”
The World Jewish Congress has long engaged with Germany’s private sector to advance Holocaust remembrance, education and antisemitism prevention. Many of the signatories to today’s statement have worked with the WJC in past years through the global #WeRemember campaign and other initiatives that promote historical awareness and moral responsibility.
Most recently, in January 2025, Amb. Lauder led a delegation of CEOs and senior executives from Bayer, BASF, Siemens and Evonik to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and death camp, including the site of the former IG Farben factory at Monowitz (Auschwitz III), to mark the 80th anniversary of the camp’s liberation.
“That visit served as a powerful moment of reflection, and today’s statement is a testament its lasting impact,” Amb. Lauder said. “As the WJC continues to confront contemporary antisemitism and defend democratic values globally, this renewed coalition with German industry marks a meaningful step forward. Together, we will work to implement projects that cultivate a living culture of remembrance across Germany, one that can serve as a model for confronting history and building stronger, more resilient futures around the world.”
On May 8, 1945, also known as Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day), the Allies of World War II accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces.
About the World Jewish Congress
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is the international organization representing Jewish communities in 100 countries to governments, parliaments and international organizations.