Partner of Holocaust Survivor Condemns Elon Musk for Alleged Nazi Salute at Trump Inauguration
In a deeply troubling development that intertwines historical trauma with contemporary political tensions, Julie Gray, the partner of Holocaust survivor Gidon Lev, has publicly condemned billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk following allegations that he performed a Nazi salute while addressing Trump supporters during President Donald Trump’s recent inauguration. This incident has reignited painful memories of one of history’s darkest periods and sparked a heated debate about symbolism, intent, and accountability in the modern era.
A Painful Encounter at Auschwitz
The Auschwitz concentration camp, now a preserved historical site and a somber reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II, was the setting for a controversial encounter involving Elon Musk, Gidon Lev, and Julie Gray. Lev, a Czechoslovak-born Israeli dairy farmer and Holocaust survivor, was invited to Auschwitz as a “special guest” by Musk. The event aimed to foster dialogue and promote remembrance, but what transpired has left lasting scars and raised serious questions about Musk’s intentions and sensitivity.
Lev was accompanied by his partner, Julie Gray, a Californian who relocated to Israel in 2012. The couple had met five years prior, forging a bond strengthened by their shared experiences and commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust. Their visit to Auschwitz was intended to be a poignant tribute to the victims and a personal reflection on resilience and remembrance.
Julie Gray’s Outcry on Social Media
On Wednesday, January 22, Julie Gray took to Facebook to express her profound disappointment and anger over Musk’s behavior during their visit to Auschwitz. Her post, shared publicly, reads:
“I see people posting that Elon was at Auschwitz this time last year – therefore, his recent ‘gesture’ is not antisemitic. I was there, too. Last year. With Elon,” Gray wrote.
“I am embarrassed that I have photos of this on my phone. My love, Gidon Lev, was the ‘special guest’ of this photo-op event. We thought, at the time, that it would be good publicity. But I would not share the photo today.
“I chatted with Elon Musk. I spent hours with him and walked with him through Auschwitz. I stood with him, looking at the nauseating heaps of hair, luggage, and shoes flooded with violet light meant to preserve it.”
“Is Musk an antisemite? People, actually, it’s worse – he doesn’t care whatsoever. Elon, father of ‘little X’ as he described his freezing cold son to me, literally does not care. He was unmoved by the experience.
“For Gidon, to be in the place where his father, Ernst, died on a death march – whether shot by the side of the road or having simply collapsed – was a huge deal.
“Elon did not care. He was about his press junket and his bodyguards. I was ten feet from him as he posed for the cameras of his entourage. He was utterly detached. He cared about how he looked.”
“When he placed a wreath at Auschwitz and Gidon was overlooked, he walked away with the cameras whirring.
“This is Elon Musk. A sociopath, if ever there was one. To deduce, from this visit, that he is a friend of the Jews is desperately naive.”
Gray’s vehement criticism centers on Musk’s alleged lack of empathy and inappropriate behavior during what was meant to be a solemn and reflective visit. Her allegations suggest that Musk’s actions were not only insensitive but also deeply disrespectful to the memory of Holocaust victims and survivors.
Elon Musk’s Alleged Nazi Salute at Inauguration
The controversy intensified two days after Musk was accused of making a Nazi salute during President Trump’s inauguration on January 20. During his address to Trump supporters, Musk reportedly performed a gesture resembling the Nazi salute, immediately following his statement:
“Thank you for making it happen. Thank you, my heart goes out to you.”
Observers noted that Musk’s gesture drew comparisons to the infamous salute used by Nazi officials, sparking immediate backlash. Musk has since denied any antisemitic intent, suggesting that the gesture was a misinterpretation or a Roman salute intended to convey enthusiasm and solidarity. He stated:
“It was a Roman salute, not a Nazi salute. My intention was to show appreciation and unity, not to offend or promote hate.”
Despite Musk’s denial, the similarity of the gesture to the Nazi salute has not been lost on many, leading to widespread condemnation from various quarters, including civil rights organizations and Jewish communities.
The Role of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a leading organization dedicated to combating antisemitism and bigotry, initially responded to Musk’s alleged gesture by describing it as an “awkward gesture.” However, following Gray’s accusations and the resurfacing of images from the Auschwitz visit, the ADL’s stance hardened.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, publicly criticized Musk’s behavior, emphasizing the inappropriateness and offensive nature of any gestures resembling the Nazi salute. He stated:
“We’ve said it hundreds of times before and we will say it again: the Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it. The Holocaust is not a joke.”
Greenblatt’s remarks underline the gravity of the situation, reaffirming the ADL’s commitment to ensuring that symbols of hate and oppression are not perpetuated or trivialized in any form.
Conclusion
The allegations against Elon Musk for performing a Nazi-like salute during a politically charged event, coupled with Julie Gray’s condemnation of his conduct at Auschwitz, have sparked a critical examination of symbolism, intent, and responsibility among public figures. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of historical atrocities and the importance of maintaining respect and empathy in all interactions, especially those that intersect with sites of profound historical significance.
As the nation grapples with these issues, the focus must remain on education, remembrance, and the fostering of a culture that honors the memory of the Holocaust by rejecting symbols and gestures that perpetuate hate and division. The conversations ignited by this incident contribute to a broader understanding of the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the ethical responsibility to uphold the dignity and respect owed to history and its survivors.
What are your thoughts on Elon Musk’s alleged Nazi salute and his behavior during the Auschwitz visit? Do you believe his actions were intentional, or were they a misinterpretation? Share your opinions and perspectives below.