4 2 0 2 T R O P E R L A U N N A SHAPING REMEMBRANCE. REMEMBRANCE. ADVANCING RESEARCH. RESEARCH. STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE. RESILIENCE.

Foreword Advisory Council Bayer Archives Interview: Rüdiger Borstel Facts and Figures Projekte #WeRemember Choosing Tomorrow Looking back to the future European election activities 04 – 05 06 – 07 08 – 09 10 – 12 13 14 – 15 16 – 17 18 – 19 20 – 21 Stumbling stones for Hans and Berthold Finkelstein 22 – 25 GSI Summer Academy Educational trip to Oświęcim Mirror of historical responsibility The Investigation A Common Cause Your Turn Auschwitz Seminar for Students Echo from the archives Outlook Imprint 26 – 27 28 – 31 32 – 35 36 – 39 40 – 41 42 – 43 44 – 45 46 – 47 48 – 49 50

I would also like to thank the Advisory Council, we have supported and organized training courses chaired by Annette Schavan, for their wonderful and online offerings. support for the work we are doing today. This was the groundwork on which we were able to start buil- ding the Foundation’s strategy in November 2023. It rests on the following pillars: SHAPING REMEMBRANCE. ADVANCING RESEARCH. STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE. In this Foundation report, we are delighted to tell you about the specific activities we initiated in 2023 and carried out in 2024. We worked with a wealth of partners to draw attention to Hans and Berthold Finkelstein, after whom the Foundation was named, And there is more to come: 2025 will be a special year for the Foundation, as we seek to intensify our activities outside Germany and, at the same time, use this year’s historical anniversaries as an oppor- tunity to launch a wide range of projects. Through our work, we wish to take a stand against anti-Se- mitism and racism while also shaping remembrance of the Nazi crimes and advancing research. Please support us as a cooperation partner or funded project. Together, we can achieve more! Best regards, and to the history of I.G. Farben, particularly in the Annemarie Hühne-Ramm realm of remembrance and education. In order to Managing Director, Hans und Berthold bring about concrete changes in the here and now, Finkelstein Stiftung gGmbH SHAPING REMEMBRANCE Telling life stories and uncovering the Nazi past ADVANCING RESEARCH Filling research gaps in the reappraisal of Nazi history, in particular that of I.G. Farben STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE Combating anti-Semitism, racism, hatred, and violence (online and in the physical world), and taking a stand for democratic values A corporate network for exchanging experiences and pursuing joint projects Foreword 05

Advisory Council 07

One of the first externally visible signs of the projects initiated to reinforce the culture of remembrance at Bayer was the opening of the memorial site for the approximately 16,000 I.G. Farben forced laborers at the Lower Rhine sites next to Bayer AG’s headquarters in Leverkusen in May 2023. © Markus Müller-Saran Bayer Archives 09

INTERVIEW with Rüdiger Borstel 1. When did you first hear about Hans Finkelstein and how did your detailed study of his life begin? In the late 1980s, my grandmother, Juliane personnel file. At the same time, I was working on Segermann (1910–2009), first told me about the indexing the formerly independent Uerdingen plant Uerdingen-based head of research Hans Finkelstein archives and, time and again, came across files and his tragic fate. She worked in the household with documents relating to Hans Finkelstein. I then of Uerdingen’s mayor, Dr. Warsch, which is how she decided to add these documents to the personnel personally knew important people in Uerdingen at file with details of their provenance – which was not that time. In my later research, I saw that many of a very scientific approach. I did this because I was her stories were in line with other sources. But I aware that we had no other meaningful files on emp- also learned about Hans Finkelstein’s life story from loyees from Jewish families in the Bayer Archives at another source. Back in 1993, when I was working the time. That is how this file, and with it the life sto- in the Leverkusen plant manager’s office at Bayer ry of Hans Finkelstein, became so special – not only AG, I received an inquiry about Hans Finkelstein to me, but also to Bayer and the company archives. from the Villa Merländer Nazi documentation center in Krefeld. And when I started working in the Bayer Archives in 2000, my findings became more con- crete. I soon came across Hans Finkelstein’s thin 2. Why are the life stories of Hans and Berthold Finkelstein important to you personally? And why are their biographies also of particular relevance to Bayer as a company? In the course of my years of research and documen- laborers deployed at I.G. Farben’s Niederrheinwerke. tation, it quickly became clear to me that Dr. Hans So, I wanted to save Finkelstein’s fate from oblivion Finkelstein, as the only truly accessible person from on behalf of all those others. After we had learned the Jewish community at that time, represented more about his son Berthold Finkelstein, we also all of the plant’s socially excluded and persecuted focused on his biography as a forced laborer at the employees. This also applied to the many forced Uerdingen plant. By telling and passing on these two Interview Rüdiger Borstel 11

FACTS AND FIGURES 185 Participants in workshops 265 Participants in Finkelstein Lectures 270 Participants in evening events € 802.290 € Funds for projects and promotion 2023/24 115 Participants in educational trips Countries we were active in Cities in Germany Belgium Poland Germany Switzerland Israel Berlin Krefeld Monheim Leverkusen Bonn Frankfurt Facts and Figures 13

One particular highlight was a concert in Berlin Monowitz concentration camp. Thore Grimm and dedicated to the famous Jewish tenor Joseph Fabian Engel, two company historians, provided Schmidt. Around 100 guests gathered for the insights into the role of I.G. Farben, its activities occasion in the Wiener Café at Bayer’s Berlin site. at Monowitz, and the development of historical reap- Accompanied by pianist Ulrike Payer, Sungho Kim praisal at Bayer. Approximately 250 people attended sang a selection of songs that had brought these two online lectures. Joseph Schmidt international fame. We additionally launched the Finkelstein Lectures, which focus on current and historical topics. In the first lecture, a Jewish Bayer employee spoke about his family history, his personal experiences with anti-Semitism, and his life as a Jew in Germany. That week’s second Finkelstein Lecture was dedica- ted to the history of I.G. Farben and the Buna- in different formats. „ Bella Zchwiraschwili ü M s u k r a M © n a r a S - r e l l The participation of companies such as Bayer AG in the #WeRemember campaign is of particular importance, as it encourages employees to engage with the Shoah. The strength and distinctiveness of the Hans and Berthold Finkelstein Foundation is its faithful, professional, knowledge- based work designed to create powerful synergies and play an integral role in preserving the culture of remembrance Member of the Finkelstein Foundation Advisory Council #WeRemember 15

This project brings six committed students and Holocaust survivors together over a period of three to the doctor. The young people document the survi- years. They converse with each other or share everyday activities such as shopping and visits their commitment visible. „ Vashem memorial in Jerusalem, thus preserving their vors’ individual histories, passing them on to the Yad We have also arranged for the students to meet employees from the Bayer site in Israel to make life stories. n a r a S - r e l l ü M s u k r a M © The life stories of Holocaust survivors are of crucial importance in keeping the collective memory alive. Every single personal story helps us to make the historical events more tangible and therefore more compre- hensible. In this way, we honor the memory of the victims and work to ensure that such atrocious acts are not repeated. Thomas Helfrich Member of the Finkelstein Foundation Advisory Council Choosing Tomorrow 17

In recent years, individual companies have begun to move toward a historically aware and responsible approach to their past. Some companies are still unsure which activities would be suitable for them or have limited resources to implement them. This is where the workshop came in, as it highlighted various ways to deal with a company’s Nazi past and engage in an open society. It provided a space to share experiences. „ n a r a S - r e l l ü M s u k r a M © Looking back into history to shape the future works best in a strong network of companies. With these workshops, we can share our experiences and take responsibility in order to strengthen democracy. The cooperation partners with Matthias von Hellfeld (historian and journalist at Deutschlandfunk) Dr. Monika Lessl Member of the Finkelstein Foundation Advisory Council Looking back to the future 19

of the first organizations to contribute. Thanks to the initial allocation of funds, the initiative was able to support organizations working regionally, nationwide, or online. Hatred and extremism are becoming increasingly visible and tangible, as evidenced by the verbal and even physical attacks perpetrated during election campaigns, coupled with the rise in anti- Semitism and racism. The Finkelstein Foundation seeks to continue supporting civil-society organiza- tions in their defense of democracy and diversity, and providing Bayer employees with ideas and inspiration on these issues. „ G A r e y a B © We must protect and promote our democratic values. That’s why I’m delighted that Bayer AG employees turned out in such great numbers for the communication training sessions around the European elections. For Bayer, combating hatred and discrimination also means defending democracy and diversity. Heike Prinz Member of the Finkelstein Foundation Advisory Council European election activities 21

These stones laid in front of their former home at Wehrstraße 12 in Krefeld-Uerdingen commemorate the men after whom the Foundation was named. The singer Tehila Nini Goldstein accompanied the laying of the stones and the speakers included Johannes Finkelstein, the son and grandson of the eponymous Finkelsteins; Matthias Berninger, Bayer AG’s Executive Vice President Public Affairs, Sustainability & Safety; and Timo Kühn, the City of Krefeld’s Deputy Mayor. „ n a r a S - r e l l ü M s u k r a M © In the spirit of continuing my father’s legacy, I would like to say the following – xenophobia has become socially acceptable again and forms the backbone of political parties enjoying majority support. The Foundation is responding to this by: Keeping memories alive that is what we are doing right now. Promoting research – for example, into the causes of xenophobia, anti-Semitism and inhumanity. Strengthening resilience – through education. I am convinced that we can only counter the current rapid spread of nationalism and racism through education and enlightenment. Let’s counter the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge. Johannes Finkelstein Member of the Finkelstein Foundation Advisory Council Stumbling stones for Hans and Berthold Finkelstein 23

© Finkelstein Stiftung Stumbling stones for Hans and Berthold Finkelstein 25

This Summer School brings together young people from different countries to discuss European cohesion and cooperation with neighboring countries – matters that are more important than ever in these challenging times and in the face of polarization. The Gustav Stresemann Institute and the Finkelstein Foundation are united, among other ties, by Berthold Finkelstein, who not only lent his name to the Finkel- stein Foundation but also founded the institute. Thus, it was only natural that Annemarie Hühne- Ramm, Managing Director of the Finkelstein Founda- tion, held a workshop on corporate responsibility as part of the Summer Academy. „ g n u t f i t i l S n e t s e k n F © i Discussing corporate responsibility in the past and present with 40 young people from over 20 countries – the generation that will soon be working in companies, at universities, and in civil society – opened up exci- ting perspectives and gave me hope for a Europe that is ready for dialogue. © Finkelstein Stiftung Annemarie Hühne-Ramm Managing Director of the Finkelstein Foundation GSI Summer Academy 27

© Photos: Rüdiger Borstel Educational trip to Oświęcim 29

„ “More than a place. A memorial to what happens when humanity dies. Nothing can prepare you for standing in front of these walls that led millions of people to their deaths. You leave Auschwitz, but it stays with you forever.“ Iva Vacheva-Spanidis German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) “I thought I knew a lot about this period, and then I was surprised by how much I didn’t know.“ Rüdiger Vollborn, Bayer 04 Leverkusen “My visit to the Auschwitz memorial changed me. As an employee and as a person, I now feel committed to becoming aware of and remembering this unimaginable suffering.“ Daniela Neuendorf, Bayer AG Educational trip to Oświęcim 31

EVZ Conversations in Berlin © Stefanie Loos Mirror of historical responsibility 33

„ n o r e p a h C e c n e r u a L © In order to shape the present and live and breathe a culture of remembrance, we have to dive deeper into history and decipher it – not just to understand it, but to know what it means for today. Especially now, when it is so clear to many of us that ‘never again’ is easy to say, but it is an illusion. Annette Schavan Chair of the Finkelstein Foundation Advisory Council Mirror of historical responsibility 35

Based on the 1964 play of the same name by and capitalism. In this context, an article by Stephan Peter Weiss, this film focuses on the Auschwitz trials H. Lindner in Zeitschrift für Unternehmensgeschich- in Frankfurt from 1963 to 1965. The play and film te, a corporate history magazine, summarized a examine the question of how the extermination document from the Bayer Archives and described of people in Auschwitz was organized and what the socio-political circumstances of the time. In the responsibility the accused bore. Peter Weiss himself 1960s, no examination of moral responsibility for was in contact with the lawyer Fritz Bauer and the crimes committed by I.G. Farben under the Nazi attended the Auschwitz trial. regime had taken place. This makes it all the more The play should be viewed in the context of the time when it was first performed. In the 1960s, many Nazi important for the Foundation’s Executive Board and Advisory Council to actively support the film today. perpetrators still held or had returned to positions In addition to the educational material and the of power in West Germany. The Auschwitz trials and website, we are sponsoring screenings at various the play that premiered shortly afterwards did not fit locations in Germany and other European countries into the constructed narrative that these individuals in 2025. were unwitting or merely following orders. In this context, Peter Weiss emphasized the role of German industry and mentioned, among other companies, I.G. Farben and the Bayer Group. At the time, this aroused a great deal of interest among Bayer’s exe- cutives, who saw the play as an attack on their own business activities as well as on democracy die-ermittlung.com © Photos: Leonine Studios The Investigation 37

„ n a r a S - r e l l ü M s u k r a M © Early on, the Auschwitz trials demonstrated the close connections between German businesses and the Nazi regime. While the process of coming to terms with the Nazi past at a legal level be- gan at an early stage, for a long time it had no place in the public’s perception. By supporting The Investigation, we want to make this process more visible and, above all, focus on the accused, who showed no remorse and got away with light sentences. Matthias Berninger Member of the Finkelstein Foundation Advisory Council The Investigation 39

“No article or book can replace the overview of and perspectives on the fight against anti-Semitism that I experienced through this interaction with people who are involved in politics, research and public relations work, institutions and associations. I’ve been following many of them on social media ever since and hope to be able to continue debating political Jewish-German positions with some of them.” Gundula K., participant “I took part in the leadership seminar to strengthen my commitment as a Jew to Jewish life and to combating anti-Semitism. I was particularly impressed by the numerous meetings with political parties in the Bundestag, discussions with political foundations, and visits to ministries. The conversations with representatives of Jewish organizations and religious institutions highlighted the threats Jewish life faces in Germany today, and how important it is to take action now. My heartfelt thanks go out to the organizers and sponsors of the seminar – you’re doing incredible work! I recommend this seminar to anyone who wants to think outside the box and deepen their knowledge in this area.” Inga K., participant A Common Cause 41

n a r a S - r e l l ü M s u k r a M © „ In retrospect, I would definitely have taken part in Your Turn as a student. At that age, we’re all searching for our role in the world. The chance to share ideas with my peers, work on projects together, and learn directly from leaders would’ve been a lot of fun for me back then. Experiences like that are invaluable for recognizing your own potential. © Photos: Common Purpose Luca Schneider Member of the Finkelstein Foundation Advisory Council Your Turn 43

„ n a r a S - r e l l ü M s u k r a M © Educational trips to the sites of the Nazis’ violent crimes, such as those arranged by the organization what matters with their great commitment and wealth of knowledge, are particularly suitable for critically examining our history, considering questions of respon- sibility and guilt, and understanding the suffering of those murdered and the survi- vors. It is extremely useful that the Hans and Berthold Finkelstein Foundation supports and organizes them itself. Dr. Sara Berger Member of the Finkelstein Foundation Advisory Council Auschwitz Seminar Students 45 The seminar was held at the International Youth Meeting Center in Oświęcim in cooperation with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Auschwitz Jewish Center. During the event, 70 young participants from Germa- ny and Austria took a closer look at the history of the camp complex, discussed the future of remem- brance, and delved deeper into the role of German industry during the Nazi period – in particular I.G. Farben with its own Auschwitz III concentration camp in what is now Monowice. Students rarely have the opportunity to experience different perspectives on the place that has become the symbol of the Holocaust – much less during an organized stay of several days. This occurs even more rarely in the company of students from other universities and different departments. It was a combination that made the program invaluable.

„ In the foreseeable future, we will unfortunately no longer be able to hear from contemporary witnesses of Nazi crimes. However, the testimonies they have left in various media reach into the present and the future. Lots of people listen to podcasts every day and are touched by them. That’s why podcasts are a suitable medium when it comes to preserving these voices and bringing them into the current context. x a P t e a i t i t s u J © Dr. Jörg Lüer Member of the Finkelstein Foundation Advisory Council © tachles. Das jüdische Wochenmagazin Echo from the archives 47

Y/FEBRUARY 2025 eRemember activities The Investigation screenings and other activities in Germany, Switzerland, , and Israel MAY 2025 Exhibition project in Leverkusen: “The future needs remembrance” Cooperation with the adult education center and the Caritas Association Leverkusen 2025 SEPTEMBER & NOVEMBER 2025 Building a Culture of Remembrance Supporting Cultural Vistas e.V. MAY JUNE SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER TRAINING PROGRAM FEBRUARY–JUNE 2025 Leaders for Democracy Cooperation with the non-profit Hertie Foundation SEPTEMBER 2025 Opening of the new permanent exhibition Supporting the Villa Merländer Nazi documentation center in Krefeld FINKELSTEIN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FROM 2025 ONWARD Supporting the Fritz Bauer Institute in awarding scholarships Outlook 2025 49 OCTOBERDECEMBERMARCHAPRILJULYAUGUST