There were a lot of people in fear under the Nazis. I can understand people doing terrible things if they are told to, because the consequences for themselves and their families could be worse if they don’t. Plus most people aren’t that brave.

But those people who willingly helped, happily turned Jews or resistance fighters in when they didn’t have to. The ones who got money for informing on others. No one forced them to do that, sure if they hold a gun to your head you can tell what you know, but don’t be a traitor if no one forces you too. What did it feel like to have the money and live with the feeling for the entire life that they sold the life of a Jew for money? Will these people find a way to justify it? Was the story of Judas selling out Jesus ever so relevant?

But these informers carried on their lives. As far as I know, they simply never thought about it. Make a story in their own head about it being necessary during the war. They have children, watch their children grow. There is no jail or prosecution. No one hunts them down. No sleepless nights waiting for the police. They can also rest in the feeling that they’re not alone. Lots of other people turned in Jews for money. Life is boring. Life is like it always is. Taxes, jobs, sleep, eat, toilet, shower, stress, sex, love. Someone else moves into the house of the Jews you sold out. They were annoying Jews anyway. Maybe they survived the war. Maybe now they’re living in Israel. Anyway no need to think about that, need to pay the car insurance. Then need to deal with that pesky mole in the garden who keeps making holes. Will have to go to the supermarket to buy some poison.