Deutsche Bahn has reaffirmed Holocaust remembrance and the fight against antisemitism as part of its corporate responsibility as Germany’s state-owned rail group. The position was set out in a joint declaration released on International Holocaust Remembrance Day together with several major German companies and the Friends of Yad Vashem organisation.
The statement refers to the Survivors’ Declaration adopted in 2002 by Holocaust survivors, which calls for remembrance to lead to concrete action. Deutsche Bahn said the renewal of this declaration is particularly relevant as the number of survivors able to testify in person continues to decline.
“The Deutsche Bahn sees remembrance of the victims of the Shoah as an integral part of its social responsibility,” said Evelyn Palla, CEO of Deutsche Bahn. She added that the company supports Yad Vashem as an international centre for education and remembrance.
As a state-owned railway group with nationwide infrastructure and passenger operations, Deutsche Bahn said its responsibility extends beyond transport services to include historical awareness and public education. The declaration links this role to efforts against antisemitism, racism and discrimination within society.
The joint statement was issued alongside Deutsche Bank, Volkswagen Group, Mercedes-Benz Group and Borussia Dortmund. According to the Friends of Yad Vashem organisation, the participation of large public-facing companies underlines that Holocaust remembrance is not limited to political institutions but also concerns organisations with a direct role in everyday life.
The initiative is part of broader international activities linked to Holocaust Remembrance Day, including a campaign by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) to promote the principles of the Survivors’ Declaration worldwide.
