A Michigan lawyer and Democratic fundraiser is facing criticism after a social media post on Veterans Day. The post, made by Kelly Neumann, spoke about her grandfather who served in the German military during World War II.
In the post, Neumann mentioned her grandfather, Albert Neumann, served “on the German side in WWI & WWII.” She included photos of him in what appeared to be a Nazi officer’s uniform. She also noted that her grandfather later left for Brazil and eventually settled in Detroit. Neumann described him as one of her “best friends” and someone who accepted her when she was young. She said his story was a “true testament that people can change and love indeed can win.”
The post has sparked controversy, with some questioning the appropriateness of celebrating someone who served in the military of Nazi Germany on a day meant to honor American veterans. The Nazi regime was responsible for the deaths of millions of people, including many American soldiers.
Neumann is involved in fundraising for several Democratic candidates in Michigan. She co-chairs the finance committees for U.S. Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. She has also raised money for other prominent Democrats in the state.
A spokesperson for Rep. Haley Stevens (D., Mich.), who is running against McMorrow in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, told Jewish Insider that the candidate “rejects anti-Semitism in all forms” and would not have participated in the fundraiser had she been aware of Neumann’s post “celebrating” her grandfather’s service to the Nazi regime.
Some find it concerning that a person so closely connected to the Democratic Party would publicly praise someone who fought for a regime that stood against American values. This raises questions about the values and priorities of those she supports. Some might wonder if those who accept her support share her views or are willing to overlook them for political gain.
It is important for political figures to carefully consider who they associate with and whether those associations reflect well on their own values. Voters have a right to know whether the people seeking to represent them are committed to upholding the principles of freedom and democracy that have always made our nation strong.
