Frank Meeink, once a fervent neo-Nazi who inspired the character portrayed by Edward Norton in “American History X,” has undergone a profound transformation to become an observant Jew, a journey sparked by his discovery of his Jewish roots through DNA testing.
At 48, Meeink’s early life was marked by his leadership in a violent far-right faction during the 1990s, where he engaged in the torture of adversaries to advance a race war. With a swastika tattoo emblazoned on his neck and harboring intense anti-Semitic beliefs, he vehemently opposed what he termed the “Zionist occupation government,” convinced that Jews were the source of all evil.
However, Meeink’s narrative took a dramatic turn. The character Derek Vinyard, played by Norton in the 1998 film “American History X,” mirrors Meeink’s path to redemption, which began in prison as he formed unlikely friendships with black inmates, challenging his racist ideologies.
Meeink’s revelation of his Jewish identity to The Post marks a significant chapter in his life. After renouncing neo-Nazism and seeking to atone for his past, a casual comment about his appearance led him to take a 23andMe test, uncovering his Jewish ancestry. This discovery, which he describes as “a beautiful gift from God,” showed he was 2.4% Ashkenazi Jewish, linking him matrilineally to his Jewish great-great-grandmother, Elizabeth Zellman Rementer.
Embracing Judaism wholeheartedly, Meeink now observes daily prayers with tallit and tefillin, adheres to kosher dietary laws, attends synagogue, and participates in Torah study classes three times a week.
Meeink’s journey from a troubled youth in southwest Philadelphia, where he was exposed to neo-Nazi ideology by a cousin, to a national figure speaking out against neo-Nazism and embracing Judaism, is a testament to the transformative power of understanding and acceptance. Despite his initial involvement in hate groups and acts of violence, including a conviction for aggravated kidnapping, his experiences in prison and subsequent encounters that challenged his prejudices set him on a path toward redemption.
His employment by Keith Brookstein, a Jewish antique store owner who looked past Meeink’s past and swastika tattoo, played a pivotal role in his transformation. Brookstein’s compassion and forgiveness prompted Meeink to reevaluate his beliefs and ultimately reject anti-Semitism.
Today, Meeink is an active voice against neo-Nazism and credits his faith for helping him navigate the darkest periods of his life, including recovery from substance abuse and coping with personal losses. His daily prayers and conversations with his “recovery rabbi” keep him grounded in his faith and committed to spreading a message of love over hate.
Meeink’s story, which he hopes to adapt into a movie as a follow-up to “American History X,” underscores the profound message that love is indeed more powerful than hate, illustrating the capacity for change and the power of redemption.