Being Jewish

 

Liberation form a death camp

 

Jews had been hated for a long time.

Since medieval times they had been distrusted e.g. Shylock in The Merchant of Venice.

Even Martin Luther didn't want them 

However, in the 19 century in Germany they were given much more support. Read the extract form Clara's Story on the right.    

When the Nazis took over in 1933 Jews  made up 0.8% of the population i.e. about two people would be Jewish in a class of 30 students   

Nazi Persecution of the Jews Timeline

1933 Jewish shops and businesses are boycotted. Jews are barred from being civil servants or working at a university 

1935 Jews are barred from the armed forces. The Nuremberg laws are enforced and Jews are no longer German citizens

1935 Doctors cannot work at German hospitals.

1937 The Buchenwald concentration camp is built.  

1938 – 9/10 November is Kristallnacht – Germans destroyed Jewish business and Jews are given the bill.

All businesses have to be given up to Germans.

Jewish children can now only go to Jewish schools.

1939 The first ghetto is established in Czechoslovakia.  

1941 The first extermination camp, Belzec, opens

1945 Death marches begin, and are fortunately followed by the liberation of camps 

An extract from Clara's Story  

“What did Frau Hellerman mean about the law being on our side now?” Clara asked Wilhelm later.

“It’s not always been easy for Jews,” her brother replied. “A lot of people don’t like us. But now the law says we have to be treated like any other citizen.”

This was so difficult to understand. They were just like everybody else, weren’t they? So why did they need a law to make them the same as everyone else? 

“Is it just because we don’t believe Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah? Is that why people don’t like us?

Wilhelm laughed. “It’s not that simple, actually. You’ll understand one day. Listen. You’re just in the first stage of your life. Just enjoy it and don’t worry so much.” He turned and left the room.  

It was so annoying. Why did they all treat her like a child? She was almost twelve and would have to pin her hair up soon.       

Why did some Germans hate the Jews?

Discuss these reasons. Do they make sense?  What else can you think of?

They didn't think Jesus Christ was the Messiah.

They had all the best jobs.

They were too rich.

They didn't look German.

They had some funny habits.

They were arrogant.