100 years of Jud Süß: the scandal around Lion Feuchtwanger and the legacy of anti -Semitism

100 years of Jud Süß: the scandal around Lion Feuchtwanger and the legacy of anti -Semitism

München, Deutschland - Munich, 23.03.2025 (KAP/KNA) - The historical novel “Jud Süß” by Lion Feuchtwanger, which was published 100 years ago, is considered one of the most important literary works of his time. Feuchtwanger, born in 1884, addressed the history of real Jewish financial broker Joseph Süßkind Oppenheimer in his bestseller, who promoted Duke Karl Alexander von Württemberg in the 18th century. Its influence led to enormous wealth, but also to deep hostilities, which were later executed. The huge success of the book let Feuchtwanger rise to one of the best -known German authors, while the National Socialists made one of the most disgusting anti -Semitic hate films from his work in 1940, which can still be shown with strict editions today, such as kathpress reported.

The story of "Jud Süß" not only illustrates Oppenheimer's rise and influence, but also the lived anti -Semitism by the film adaptation, which was realized by Veit Harlan. In this propaganda film, Oppenheimer appears as a demonic figure that is blamed for everyone. This aberration is in the striking contrast to Feuchtwanger's original work, which critically questioned the centuries -old anti -Semitic prejudices and has experienced the suffering career as a Jew. After seizing the National Socialists, he had to flee into exile. Wikipedia emphasizes that Feuchtwanger, who celebrated numerous successes in the United States until his death in 1958, found recognition in the US enemy environments researched literary.

Oppenheimer's tragic end

The film adaptation of "Jud Süß" remains a painful memory and a warning of the abuse of literature and art to spread hatred. Oppenheimer's fate that ended with his execution is a dark reflection on prejudice and abuse of power. The controversial character Oppenheimer, as a consultant in an environment characterized by political intrigue, becomes a scapegoat for the existing grievances in the Duchy, which leads to his cruel execution. In a dramatic turning point in the narrative, his death becomes a solemn event for his enemies, while his Jewish community mourned him around him and shows the last honor.