Banić and Koić: A Brief Overview of the Jasenovac Myth in 2025
The article reviews the state of the Jasenovac myth in 2025, highlighting the lack of new victim identifications by the Jasenovac Memorial Area and the rise of controversial narratives surrounding the concentration camp.
In 2025, the Jasenovac Memorial Area (JUSP) did not introduce new victims into its online registry, focusing instead on internal management changes and political statements that diverged from the camp's historical context. This shift indicates a potential decline in the organization’s direct engagement with the historical narrative of the camp itself. Meanwhile, contentious proponents of the so-called Jasenovac myth have been increasing their rhetoric, often framed within debates over political correctness and selective 'political facts.'
A prominent figure in this ongoing debate is Goldstein, who has remained consistent in his controversial positions but has faced criticism that undermines the credibility of his claims. The narrative around the victims and perpetrators continues to reveal polarization, with groups broadly defined still adhering to their respective identities, hindering genuine dialogue and understanding. Critics speculate that the apologists for the Jasenovac narrative may be running out of fresh arguments, suggesting a stagnation in their discourse.
Conversely, independent researchers continue to pursue their studies on the Jasenovac concentration camp, demonstrating resilience against the backdrop of political reinterpretation. Their findings aim to provide a more nuanced understanding of Jasenovac's history, countering the simplified narratives perpetuated by those invested in the myth. The article emphasizes the importance of ongoing scholarly inquiry as a counterbalance to politicized historical narratives surrounding the camp, signaling an ongoing struggle between historical truth and contemporary political agendas.