Elon Musk Should Leverage His Platform to Preserve Holocaust Memory

Elon Musk is one of the most influential figures in the modern world, with the ability to shape conversations and direct attention in ways few others can. His recent remarks at an Alternative for Germany (AfD) conference, however, sparked widespread concern. Musk suggested that today’s German children should not feel guilt for the Holocaust. While the sentiment is understandable, the way it was delivered to a controversial audience underscores the need for greater caution when addressing such sensitive issues.

Musk has demonstrated moments of solidarity with the Jewish people, such as visiting Auschwitz with his children. Yet, his platform comes with immense responsibility, and his words carry outsized influence. When addressing topics as significant as the Holocaust, care must be taken not to diminish the lessons of history.

For nearly eight decades, the Holocaust has served as a stark reminder of what happens when hatred, dehumanization, and apathy spiral out of control. Yet, this critical chapter of history risks fading from memory. Survivors are aging, and younger generations, both Jewish and non-Jewish, are less familiar with the events of the Holocaust and its catastrophic impact.

Musk’s remarks to the AfD a party with troubling associations with antisemitism—might inadvertently validate those seeking to rewrite or forget this history. While he likely did not intend harm, the context and audience matter. Instead of urging Germans to “move past” the Holocaust, Musk could use his platform to inspire a collective responsibility: not guilt for past atrocities, but a commitment to ensure such horrors never happen again.

History teaches us that the path to genocide often starts subtly, with small prohibitions or casual discrimination. The Nazis’ rise to power began with a handful of followers and seemingly innocuous policies. By the time their intentions were fully recognized, millions of lives had already been lost. Musk’s immense following gives him the power to amplify this warning to the world.

As the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, once cautioned, Holocaust remembrance alone is insufficient. We must also explore how an advanced society like Germany descended into barbarity and ensure the same conditions never arise again. Similarly, President Joe Biden has warned that without vigilance, a Holocaust could happen again. These warnings should compel us to action.

It is equally important for today’s Jewish leaders to inspire their communities. Too many Jewish children lack a deep understanding of the Holocaust and its lessons. This must change—not through anger, but by fostering a strong sense of identity, purpose, and responsibility.

German society, too, has made strides in embracing its responsibility. As one German diplomat once told me, he grappled deeply with his grandfather’s Nazi past. While he could not change what his grandfather had done, he resolved to shape a future where his own grandchildren would be educated about that history. This commitment is the model we need: not dwelling on guilt, but embracing the responsibility to teach, remember, and safeguard the future.

Musk, with his unparalleled influence, has a unique opportunity to be part of this effort. He could champion Holocaust education, amplify the voices of survivors, and ensure that children worldwide understand the consequences of hatred and bigotry. By doing so, he could help guarantee that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten, securing a safer and more just world for generations to come.

Let us remember, and let us act. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to keep the memory alive.