Initially, the German approach was to force all Jews out of German territory.

by Rabbi Eliyahu Ellis and Rabbi Shmuel Silinsky

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Applying For Visas

Jews Applying For Visas To Foreign Countries
photo courtesy of Yad Vashem

In the early days, the Nazis just wanted the Jews out. In fact, they were helping Jews emigrate to Israel. But little by little, the pressure was turned up and the doors did not remain open.

Signs of the times: "Parks Not For Jews." "Jews Aren’t Wanted." "Proudly Announcing the Re-Opening of a Former Jewish Business, Now Owned By a German."

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Jewish Boycott Day

Nazis on Jewish Boycott Day
photo courtesy of Yad Vashem

 

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S.S. St. Louis

Jews Aboard the S.S. St. Louis
photo courtesy of Yad Vashem

 

There were a lot of Jews at this time that still didn’t realize that they were supposed to leave. Germany was considered a pinnacle of civilized living. More than in any other country, in Germany Jews had been making progress in human rights and integrating into the society. No one at this point could really imagine what was about to happen.

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Published: Wednesday, December 31, 1969
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Visitor Comments: 5

(5) Anonymous, January 16, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank you

This site was my sole source of information for my high school project on Genocides. After visiting various sites, I found that this one was by far the most informative and presented data in a nice chronological format which made it very easy to follow. Even after obtaining necessary information for my project I spent much more additional time browsing the site because it's contents were so interesting. I really like the way it is set up. Great job guys!

(4) Anonymous, January 14, 2003 12:00 AM

it was interesting.

these articles helped me to understand what went on . i would try not to let these events happen again.

(3) Anonymous, January 12, 2003 12:00 AM

Thanks

i was writing a speech and the info i got from your site helped me get a scholarship, thank you very much.

(2) Nani Pua, October 8, 2002 12:00 AM

thanks for the information

your site helped me study for my book Night and i think that everyone should read the book and learn about the holocaust so that it won't happen again.

(1) Anonymous, June 11, 2002 12:00 AM

thanks...interesting

i really enjoyed your site. it helped me with my research paper for HS english. I think more people should know and teach people about the Holocaust. A good book called Night, by Elie Wiesel, is a great source of info. he tells what he knows from what happened to him. i recommand this book. thanks a lot. peace out.

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About the Author

Rabbi Eliyahu Ellis

Rabbi Eliyahu Ellis studied biology and geology at Northern Illinois University. In addition, he spent time as a deep-sea diver in the oil fields in the North Sea between Scotland and Norway and has circumnavigated the seas of the world in a sailboat. Rabbi Ellis received rabbinic ordination from Aish HaTorah where he is a senior lecturer at the Discovery and Essentials programs.

Rabbi Shmuel Silinsky

Rabbi Shmuel Silinsky received his BS from Cornell with a major in Communication Arts and a minor in Archeology, and did post-graduate work at UCLA in the field of Desert Plants and Natural History. Prior to moving to Israel, he worked in the field of Urban Ecology including several years as a landscape designer in Beverly Hills. Rabbi Silinsky received rabbinic ordination from Aish HaTorah and the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He currently teaches at the Yeshivat Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem.

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