You are determined to stay and fight the prejudice in
your own back yard.
The KKK is a small minority, but so
were the Nazis in Germany in 1933. You are sure that you can rally other
citizens of Collinsville and prevent the spread of prejudice through the
community. You hold meetings in your own home, talk about your experiences
in Europe to anyone who will listen, and address the City Council. The
local newspaper reports your crusade.
However, you are not sure you are having any effect. Some people call you
a Commie,
and others simply won't have anything to do with you.
One evening, you are awakened to find a large wooden cross burning on your
lawn and a sign, We'll Finish What Hitler Started.
You are
frightened and furious. Perhaps you have made a mistake, assuming that
there were many good and caring people in the city. You are depressed;
maybe you've failed.
Some of your non-Jewish neighbors come over and ask you to go with their families the next Sunday. “We know you don't have a synagogue here, but perhaps you'll find comfort with us. Don't worry we won't convert you.”
You agree to go. What a surprise! During the sermon, the minister calls you up to the pulpit and tells you publicly that the congregation supports your work. You are among friends who have chosen to honor your efforts. All your work has been worthwhile, and you spend the rest of your life with great satisfaction and fulfillment as a respected citizen in that small, southern Illinois town.
END