In America 1933-45: Response to the Holocaust

 The American response to the Nazi assault on Jews between 1933-1945 continues to be the subject of contentious debate. While there is no doubt that the United States played a dominant role in the ultimate defeat of Germany, questions remain about the government’s reluctance to offer haven to Jewish refugees or take steps to aid Hitler’s victims. Although individual Americans and some organizations reacted to reports of Nazi atrocities with outrage, President Franklin Roosevelt, for the most part, turned away from the moral challenge. He condemned Nazi anti-Semitism but maintained that the defeat of Germany was the only way to put an end to its genocidal policies. The involvement of American Jews in rescue efforts has also been debated. Did they do enough to aid their co-religionists in Europe?

Although many were indifferent or cautiously silent, others worked tirelessly to arouse public opinion, implement rescue operations, and obtain visas for relatives and strangers.

Even the most ardent activists however, were thwarted by circumstances beyond their control. Unprecedented levels of anti-Semitism and organized opposition to immigration presented almost insurmountable obstacles.

This exhibit traces American reaction to Germany’s persecution of the Jews and the triumphs and failures of Jewish individuals and organizations in their attempts to rescue Hitler’s victims. It is a story of remarkable activism and dismal indifference. A chapter of it took place in San Antonio, Texas. 

Click each image (to left) to open and explore further.