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Dr. Melanie Carina Schmoll, M.A.
Historian specialized in Holocaust education.
Academic. Publicist. Creative. Speaker.
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What a Coloring Book Reveals About the Power of Educational Materials
In this post, I take a closer look at how seemingly harmless educational materials—even a playful children’s coloring book—can solidify simplified political narratives and shape perceptions long before critical thinking develops. Drawing on my long-standing research, I explain why German school textbooks may not express open hostility, yet still present limited and often distorted views of Jews, Judaism, and Israel. And I outline what needs to change so that education becomes


A New Course in German Remembrance Policy - finally.
Sometimes you only realize in retrospect that you had almost grown accustomed to a political imbalance. That was exactly the feeling I had when I read the new memorial site program presented by Minister of State for Culture, Weimer (CDU). One senses in it a clarity that German remembrance policy had increasingly lost in recent years. Since the cabinet decision was issued in November 2025 , it has become clearer than ever how strongly Weimer’s approach differs from the previou


Hatred of Jews: The Collapse of Rousseau’s Social Contract
Rousseau believed that a just society rests on a shared moral bond: the contrat social . But what happens when hatred turns citizens into enemies? The global rise of hatred of Jews shows that the social contract can die not with a revolution, but with indifference. When the Political “We” Disintegrates Few ideas have shaped modern political thought as profoundly as Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s vision of the contrat social . Written in 1762, Du contrat social ou Principes du droit


Love Knows no Distance
In this blog post, I explore the link between emotion and politics, and offer a personal reflection through the headline: Love knows no distance. A well-known German author and journalist recently released a new book in which he laments: “Nowadays, we can’t even go to the supermarket without being bombarded with emotions—because people love food there.” He’s referring to a popular German supermarket advertisement. “And influencers on the internet are nothing more than peo


Business trip to Calgary
Last week, I was in Canada for a conference and business trip. Why the German Honorary Consul in Calgary is holding my book and what else...


Why Realism Still Matters.
Is historical constructivism the only valid approach to understanding the past? In this post, I argue that political realism offers...


What is hate?
I have been working on my topics for years now, and yet the questions seem to have remained the same throughout this time: What is hate?...


Biedermeier 2.0
Another two weeks have passed, and it's time for my blog. I actually have so much to say and report, but I am a bit tired of all the mess...


The benefits and drawbacks of learning machines, so-called AI
I recently had a phone call with an editor employed by a publishing house that I work for. She candidly explained to me that she now does...


December 1932?
Here I am again! I actually wanted to write a post last week, in line with my rhythm, but unfortunately that didn't work out. I am in the...


Israel and Iran: at war.
The past week has been exhausting. It's been jam-packed with terrible events, trying to get information on how friends and acquaintances...


Political education and more.
After sending out my new newsletter last weekend and refraining from posting a blog entry, this week I'm back with information on what's...


Developments.
The most important news first: After all the years (it has actually been 10 years since I was first in Calgary...) that I have known and...


Fridu - what a week!
Federal Chancellor election, Pope election, 80 years of the end of the Second World War in Europe - simply unbelievable....


“Celebration” days
Today is the beginning of one of the highest Christian holidays and, with Good Friday, a day of mourning. In Germany, this means that,...


Upheavals.
It is not just global politics that has been unhinged by Trump this week - once again. No, the topic of upheaval seems to be a recurring...


Berlin
This is a belated blog entry... yes, yes, that is what happens when you let it slide 😊 First I announce that I am only going to post...


Anniversary! One year and 50 blog entries
My blog and my website celebrate one year anniversary! I am delighted that my work has been so well received and am happy about the...


Election gleanings .
So now it is done. The Germans have voted. Well, at least those who received their voting documents in time and were able to send them...


Hatred of Jews-A Failure of Holocaust Eduction?
Out now! I am delighted that my new book is finally on the market! Hatred of Jews-A Failure of Holocaust Education? The last few days...
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