Albert Göring, unlike his infamous elder brother Hermann Göring—a primary architect of the Nazi regime—carved a path of silent resistance and heroism amidst the horrors of World War II. While his last name would forever be tarnished by his sibling’s heinous acts, the younger Göring endeavored to rescue Jews and political dissidents from the clutches of the very terror his brother helped to construct.
This tale revolves around two siblings. The elder brother, Hermann Goering, was one of the most infamous Nazis in the 20th Century, serving as Hitler’s deputy and the chosen successor of the Fuehrer. He led the Luftwaffe during the Blitz and the Battle of Britain. On the other hand, his younger brother, Albert, was a mysterious figure. After the war, he baffled Allied interrogators with incredible stories of anti-Nazi bravery, and to this day, he remains a puzzle 70 years later.
New evidence has emerged regarding Albert Goering, sparking a movement to honor him in Israel for his assistance to Jewish individuals while his brother played a role in orchestrating the Holocaust. In a compelling interview with his daughter, Elizabeth, she provides a unique explanation for Albert Goering’s decision to risk his life aiding those oppressed by the Nazis, even suggesting that he received protection from the Gestapo and SS through Hermann Goering. During the Nuremberg trials, Albert mentioned that Hermann assisted him to the best of his ability and displayed warmth towards family members.
Allied interrogators, however, viewed anyone associated with the Goering name with suspicion, dismissing Albert as a deceitful Nazi attempting to evade punishment for war crimes. Richard Sonnenfeldt, an interpreter, labeled Albert’s accounts as mere fantasies from a witness who tended to divulge excessive information. An interrogation report criticized Albert for his elaborate justifications and praised his brother’s cunning nature.
The Allied interrogators remained unconvinced by Albert’s story until two unexpected events occurred. Kurt Pilzer, who had fled to the United States with his family, wrote to the Nuremberg prosecutors in support of Albert. Additionally, a new interrogator, Victor Parker, arrived – an American Jewish refugee whose real name was Paschkis. His aunt, Sophie Paschkis, had married the composer Franz Lehár, whose music was admired by Hitler. The Lehárs were among those Albert Goering had assisted in escaping, as confirmed by Victor Parker’s aunt. This revelation validated Albert’s incredible tales to the Nuremberg interrogators.
Despite this, Albert faced further challenges as the authorities in Prague sought to charge him with Nazi collaboration. However, members of the Czech resistance who had worked with Albert at the Skoda factory came to his defense. They testified that Albert had aided them in undermining the Nazi occupiers by providing crucial information. By 1947, Albert was finally released, but his life was in shambles. His attempts to find employment were hindered by the Goering name, his multiple marriages failed due to his womanizing, and he struggled with alcoholism until his death in obscurity in 1966, with his heroic deeds unrecognized.
Yet, decades later, historians like William Hastings Burke are shedding light on the enigmatic figure of Hermann Goering’s brother. Burke has advocated for Albert to be honored by Israel as one of the ‘Righteous Among The Nations’, alongside individuals like Oskar Schindler, who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.
Irena Steinfeldt from the Department of the Righteous informed me that they are giving serious consideration to the request. However, due to the high standards of proof and the challenges in obtaining personal testimony after more than seventy years, it has become extremely difficult. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that recognizing a “Good Goering” by Israel would serve as a reminder to the world that evil is not inherent in us but rather a choice we make. Hermann Goering made that choice, while Albert chose a different path.
Albert Göring’s final years were spent in relative obscurity, and his death in 1966 came without the fanfare his deeds merited.
Relevant articles:
– TIL Albert Göring, the younger brother of prominent Nazi leader Hermann Göring, was opposed to Nazism, and helped many Jews escape Germany. He was shunned in post-war Germany because of his family name, and died without any public recognition.
, Feb 19, 2010
, Jan 25, 2016