Your job as janitor with the German-Jewish Newspaper
Aufbau
is hardly what you expected when you attended medical school
in Berlin. Yet, Aufbau
is the most outspoken publication protesting
the events in Europe; the editorials and articles continually urge the
American government to take a more active role in preventing the massacre
of Jews in the concentration camps.
When you arrive at work one morning, the office is buzzing with discussion and argument. A big demonstration against the Nazis is planned for Madison Square Garden.
Some think a public protest rally is the wrong way to help the European Jews. Rather, they argue, a private, diplomatic strategy will be more effective in persuading the American State Department to save as many Jews as possible. Through the American Jewish Committee, these people try to influence President Roosevelt and his advisors.
But, even from brief press releases that come from Aufbau
and the
many rumors in the Jewish Community, you decide that this is the wrong
tactic. From what you can learn about Breckinridge Long and the
State Department's attitude in general, you realize that quiet
pressure and private efforts won't get the American government to
help the Jews.
Membership in the American Jewish Congress suits you better. You
feel good as you march down Fifth Avenue carrying a sign protesting the
massacre of European Jewry, stirred by the speeches of
Rabbi Stephen S. Wise. You decide:
These public protests may not save the Jews of Europe, but, at least, I
shall have done what I could. Let the world know that Jews will fight
for their rights and their lives.
END