In the early decades of statehood, the Israeli reaction to the Holocaust found expression mainly in determination to gain military, economic and emotional strength, to guarantee "never again." In recent decades, however, a reaction has developed in the form of self-accusation about the "Holocaust complex" we have developed.
This complex is supposedly expressed by excessive suspicion of "gentiles," in self-righteousness and in the inability to accept criticism, all adding up to too much readiness to hurt others severely just so that we ourselves should not be hurt. Hundreds of articles, books, plays and films have tried to convey this message. The criticism over linking the Holocaust with the determination to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons has also focused largely on this "Holocaust complex."
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