Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Although most American Jews viewed Roosevelt as a friend, he took few specific measures to come to the aid of European Jewry. Periodically, he condemned Nazi persecution but ignored pleas to offer haven to refugees. Jewish leaders who petitioned him to take bolder action were told that the only way to save Jews was through victory in the war.

Although his response may have reflected the anti-Semitic attitude of his time, Roosevelt was undoubtedly impacted by the political climate. Faced with isolationism in Congress and general hostility to Jews, Roosevelt made few moves that might jeopardize him politically. His reluctance to act had dire consequences, but must be viewed against the backdrop of his successful wartime presidency. He recognized the Nazi threat long before other American leaders, bolstered the British when they were near defeat and prepared the country for war despite strong opposition. According to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the Nazis might well have triumphed had it not been for Roosevelt’s bold leadership.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt cared deeply about the tragedy of Europe’s Jews. She became an activist for increased immigration, but never publicly challenged her husband’s policies.