Henrik Lenkeit, a German pastor and therapist, recently discovered through genealogical research that he is the grandson of Heinrich Himmler, the architect of the Holocaust. The revelation came after Lenkeit recognized his grandmother, Hedwig Potthast, in a documentary about Himmler, leading him to uncover family secrets and confirm his lineage with the help of experts. Lenkeit's mother, who kept her paternity hidden throughout her life, was one of Himmler's children with Potthast. The discovery has caused rifts within Lenkeit's family and led him to reflect deeply on identity, shame, and the legacy of the past.
Lenkeit, who now lives in Spain and works as a pastor and life coach, has chosen to speak openly about his family's history, emphasizing the importance of confronting the past rather than hiding from it. He believes that descendants of Nazi perpetrators should not feel personal guilt but should take responsibility by acknowledging history and promoting understanding. Lenkeit is currently writing a book on shame, guilt, and the process of letting go, hoping to encourage others to address inherited trauma and break cycles of silence.

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