Germany has given the world many of the West’s most cherished Christmas traditions, including its famous Christmas markets. For centuries, these festive fairs drew visitors from across the world, and filled town squares with lights, music, and laughter.

But no longer. This year, most of Germany’s Christmas markets won’t open at all. After Islamist terror attacks in Berlin and Magdeburg security costs have skyrocketed, and many organizers simply can’t afford to operate. Police and authorities now admit they’re “overwhelmed” and unable to prevent new terrorist attacks. And so a centuries-old celebration of faith and tradition is simply fading away.  

This is how a country and a civilization collapses: when capitulation replaces conviction, and leaders no longer believe their own culture is worth defending and therefore surrender their heritage without a fight.

Shame on German’s cowardly, failed leadership.