Michigan Democratic Fundraiser's Nazi Family Tribute Draws Widespread Condemnation
A prominent Democratic fundraising official in Michigan has ignited controversy after sharing a public tribute honouring her grandfather, who served as a Nazi soldier during the Second World War. Kelly Neumann, who holds finance committee co-chair positions for several Democratic candidates in the state, posted the remembrance on Veterans Day in 2024, sparking immediate backlash from Jewish leaders and political observers.
Veterans Day Post Reveals Family's Nazi Past
Neumann, who also serves as principal attorney at the Neumann Law Group, shared photographs of her late grandfather, Albert Neumann, on social media platforms. The images depicted him wearing Nazi regalia and what appeared to be an officer's uniform from the period. In her accompanying text, Neumann acknowledged her grandfather fought "on the German side in WWI & WWII" and detailed how he "escaped to Brazil" after Germany's defeat in 1945—a well-documented escape route used by high-ranking Nazis seeking to avoid justice during the Nuremberg trials.
"Happy Veterans Day to all my family and friends who serve/served! Without you, America would not be here today," Neumann wrote in her post, which has since been unearthed and reported by Jewish Insider. She described her grandfather as "one of my best friends" who accepted her sexuality when she came out as gay, adding: "His story is a true testament that people can change and love indeed can win."
Immediate Backlash and Comparisons to Fiction
The revelation prompted swift condemnation from prominent figures including Rabbi David Wolpe, who shared the story on social media platform X with the comment: "This is so outrageous I had to double check it wasn't a hoax." Other commentators expressed similar disbelief, with one noting the situation seemed "so unreal it could be something mentioned in an episode of The Office," referencing the popular television sitcom whose character Dwight Schrute was frequently implied to have Nazi relatives.
Additional reactions on social media ranged from "Good Lord" to observations that these were "things you couldn’t make up even if you tried." The criticism centres on the profound insensitivity of honouring a Nazi soldier on Veterans Day, a national holiday specifically dedicated to honouring Allied military personnel who sacrificed for their countries.
Political Connections and Current Activities
Neumann maintains significant political influence within Michigan Democratic circles, currently serving as finance co-chair for Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. She has hosted multiple fundraising events for both campaigns, including one for McMorrow just days before the controversy emerged.
Her political network extends to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, for whom Neumann hosted a December fundraiser that reportedly raised approximately $50,000. On her Instagram account, Neumann recently indicated she and her legal partner are "taking on ICE" and offering support to those injured by federal immigration agents amid ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement policies.
Historical Context and Contemporary Implications
The National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), commonly known as the Nazis, was the totalitarian political party that governed Germany under Adolf Hitler's dictatorship. The regime was responsible for the systematic murder of six million Jewish people during the Holocaust, along with millions of other victims including political dissidents, disabled individuals, Romani people, and LGBTQ+ persons.
Neumann's tribute emerges during a period of heightened political sensitivity in the United States, particularly around issues of historical memory, immigration enforcement, and the appropriate commemoration of military service. The Daily Mail has contacted Neumann for comment regarding the controversy surrounding her Veterans Day post.
