“You know it is not always wise to tell people that you are Jewish,” my son’s Hebrew school teacher told me. We belonged to a synagogue in Bonn, Germany. “Sometimes it can be dangerous and it is better to keep quiet.”
I cringed when I heard him say this, something he repeated numerous times, but I slowly adopted his advice. There was an incongruity living as a Jew in Germany. On the one hand there was a trace of fear, but by and large we lived in a bubble and denied the lurking anti-Semitism. We missed the more glaring signs of trouble.
Having armed police on a 24-hour basis outside the small and only synagogue in Bonn, and, for that matter, any other synagogue in Germany, was considered so normal that no one found it odd. It was just the way things always have been since 1945. The Germans I knew didn’t think there was anti-Semitism, not in Germany! So I never stopped to ask myself, why do Jews need to be protected?
Without really realizing it, I began to avoid telling people that I was Jewish.
I taught many academics English for their jobs at a scientific organization that also funded projects in Israel. It was here that my sensitivity to anti-Semitism was raised. Every now and then, one of my students would make a comment that left me feeling horrible. It was often about Israelis greediness for money and their demands for more of it. The warning bells started to go off in my head. Jews and money is a very old trope and it was said in such a way that left me feeling dirty.
Then came the summer of 2014 and the Gaza war. I was forced out of my complacency. The main German newspapers started a journalistic war against Israel. Every day I read with trepidation all the hideous crimes that Israelis were committing and the terrible death toll of Palestinians.
A few weeks into the war, 2000 Arabs and Turks along with a few left wing supporters marched through the main street in Frankfurt screaming, “Hamas, Hamas, Jews to the Gas.” In Germany this is not only frightening, it’s downright chilling. The police didn’t stop the march or the incitement to violence. Instead there were reports of police storming an apartment where a sympathizer with Israel had hung the Israeli flag in support. The police removed the flag saying they didn’t want to encourage more violence.
Things were terribly askew and the taboo of saying anti-Semitic things in Germany had been broken.
I was in turmoil. I had been brought up as a Jew who loves and supports Israel as the home of the Jews. Through my years of inaction and complacency, I had not really followed the conversation of Israel and the Middle East; I seemed to have forgotten the historical facts of Israel and the Jews, and I realized with a shock that I had no idea what the truth was. I had no idea if Israel was really committing these heinous war crimes and I didn’t know how to defend her right to exist.
How could I support Israel if they were indeed doing these terrible things?
How could I support Israel if they were indeed doing these terrible things? And yet how could I not support Israel? What chilled me even more was the response of my students, who all had their PhDs, to the war in Gaza. Many times my students gave their unguarded comments on Israel’s awful aggression.
The shame I started to feel fueled me to start researching and reading every day to understand what was going on and why Israel was being presented in the media in such a distorted and ogre-like fashion.
I was in a class with my students and the news in Israel had been particularly bad that day. In desperation I looked at them and said, “Do you think Israel has a right to exist?” They looked straight at me, still not knowing I was Jewish, and sighed in unison. They just stared at me and didn’t say a word. But their thundering silence spoke volumes. One student finally broke the silence and said that what the Jews have done to Arabs in Israel is what the Americans did to the Native Americans. I gasped inside as I realized that we had reached a new level of hatred. It was as if a veil had fallen and I started seeing what was really happening.
Signs of anti-Semitism that I had previously been unable to pinpoint were popping up everywhere. I discovered that in Cologne, a huge city near Bonn with a larger Jewish community, there was a 30-foot stand called “The Wailing Wall” which consisted posters and photos of maimed and dying Palestinian children, victims of Israeli aggression, along with caricatures of Jews drinking Arab blood and cutting up a Palestinian for dinner. I couldn’t believe that this was being allowed in Germany.
I subsequently found out that two years earlier a rabbi in Berlin, taking a walk with his six-year-old daughter, had been attacked for being Jewish by a group of Arab youths. He was brutally beaten just for being Jewish. I had no idea this had happened; it didn’t make any headlines in the news.
But Israel always made the headlines, and they were bad. The more I researched, the more I uncovered how difficult day-to-day life had become for Jews in different areas in Germany. Wearing a yarmulke in public was something that needed to be avoided as it resulted in violence. I went to a small theatre in Bonn to see Arthur Miller’s Broken Glass, a play about the reaction of American Jews to the fate of Jews in Germany in 1938. Very few Germans came, but quite a few from the Jewish community came, including the rabbi who came in with a golf cap to hide his yarmulke. He told me it would be too dangerous to walk through the streets without the cap. I felt like I had been in a coma and had woken up in a different world. How had I been oblivious to all of this?
The question kept gnawing at me: Why didn’t more Jews leave in the early 30s? Why did they wait so long?
I read about Jews in France and Belgium who were taking their kids out of public schools and putting them into Jewish schools because of the bullying they faced because they were Jewish. There were similar reports of this happening to Jews in Germany. I started listening to Jewish journalists who live in Germany, like Benjamin Weinthal, the European correspondent for the Jerusalem Post who gave a talk at the Institute for Studies of Global Antisemitism Policy discussing whether Europe is safe for Jews.
For me the writing was clearly on the wall. The hatred towards Israel was growing exponentially and not in relation to other events in the world. Now that I was looking, I started reading reports on groups of Arabs gathering and screaming “Death to the Jews” and “Heil Hitler,” echoes from a Germany that not long ago trumpeted such cries. What a German wouldn’t dare say out loud was now being said by groups of Muslims where this taboo was non-existent.
The question kept gnawing at me: Why didn’t more Jews leave in the early 30s? Why did they wait so long? Was I reading the wrong signs now? Was I too oversensitive?
Some Jews back then did see the signs and somehow managed to leave. And I was convinced that I was seeing the signs now. Leaving meant giving up everything we owned and taking our two children and immigrating. The risk was high, but the risk to stay seemed even higher.
We immigrated to the United States in July 2016, fearful that the ensuing events in Germany and Europe are pointing in the direction of disaster. As we build our new life, for the first time in a long time living openly as Jews, I hope I am wrong.
(26) Sam, January 6, 2021 4:11 AM
I am a nazi because I believe in Capitalism? That doesn't make sense.
I ,often, in school got called a Nazi because I am a Trump Supporter. Here is the thing, the Nazis hated capitalism. Ironically, I am also Ethnically Jewish (not by religion) who was born in a communist country. Communists don't like Jews, but fortunately, in Cuba, Jews were not persecuted by the time I was born. I also don't have blue eyes nor blond hair, but I am Caucasian. If I am not mistaken, the concept of an "Aryan" race was a Nazi concept. Why would I support a group that is against me? That's kinda stupid (and funnily enough, Hitler was not Aryan, and his wife was Jewish, and Ethnically, so was he).
Here is what confuses me the most. Why do people love Karl Marx so much but hate Hitler? There isn't a single dictator in recent history that followed the ideas of Karl Marx closer than Hitler.
-One Race
-Dislike Capitalism
-Homophobia
-Big government controls of resources and many more things
Hitler called Karl Marx a god-father.
Sam, January 6, 2021 4:14 AM
Also forgot to mention. I was born in 2002.
(25) yerushalam, May 30, 2019 8:32 PM
Dear Julia, Thank you for your article. My prayer for you is that you will draw near to the GOD of Avraham, Ytzkhak and Yaakov in USA that is equally but to a much lesser extent growing in spewing the lies against Jews. Shalom to you and your children that were uprooted from the place they once called home. Shalom!
(24) rene paul delavarre, December 18, 2018 3:02 AM
Hardline Israel Supporter for 25 years
Hi. As your new friend Amy and Josh will tell you, I am one of the most outpsoken supporters of Israel and the Jews. I was born in Austria, and I am still ashamed of my country. So many say they were just following orders; they were victims too. I say, all lies. If I had been an adult in Austria during the Anschluss, I would have defied Hitler, gone underground, formed a resistance, and glad would have taken a bullet to the head if it could have saved one Jewish family from the gas chambers. Here in America, you have many friends and allies. The left are not one of them. I look forward to meeting you. Shalom Rpd
Julia Schmidt, May 31, 2019 12:55 PM
Thanks
I have just read your comment and would like to thank you. I hope I get to meet you soon.
Julia
(23) Shelley Neese, March 8, 2017 1:45 PM
Two by two
Watch this music video about the rise of antisemitism in France. It portrays Israel as the ark and Europe facing the coming storm. Two by two. Jews need to get back to Israel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuBdH5SM-C4
(22) rodney, March 2, 2017 10:46 PM
you are not wrong
(21) Beverley, March 1, 2017 8:22 PM
You are not wrong
It is with a heavy and sorrowful heart that I say, "I do not believe you are wrong". The only reason I can think of for the Jewish people to be persecuted throughout history is because it is a spiritual battle. I do believe it will get worse in both the United States and in Canada. Keep praying for wisdom and strength to see you through these times.
(20) jim, March 1, 2017 12:50 PM
a shame!
dangerous as may be, best to wait and see, but by all means, see!
(19) Yaakov, February 28, 2017 6:39 PM
will the israeli government provide for us ?
"Jews should all leave Europe".....I hear this all the time,and i'm sick of it.Who guarantees us that if a cople of million jews immigrate to Israel we are going to be provided for by the government?.We've all seen how promises galore were made to the Gush Katif evacuees in 2005 that they would be rehoused,re-employed etc,and twelve years later the vast majority of them are still without housing and any decent jobs if any at all.There are enough people unfortunately seeking handouts on Israeli streets and in the synagogues that we need a few hundred thousand more.Not everyone is wealthy enough to pay the exhorbitant prices of israeli appartments,so what should we do,just blindly sell up in europe,come to israel and then what?.Don't just say immigrate but give us some practical suggestions how we can just make a basic living in todays Israel,i'me not talking about luxuries,just to put bread on my table for my family without having to beg for it,or even to recieve charity annonomously,i have a little pride,thats all.
(18) Anonymous, February 28, 2017 3:00 PM
antisemitism is growing wild in the USA.
while a read i thought you left for Israel.
(17) Chavy, February 28, 2017 8:14 AM
The world is just reverting back to its natural state
The world, especially Europe, has always been anti semitic. After the Holocaust anti semitism was repressed. Now anti semitism is slowly but surely rearing its ugly head again. The world is just reverting back to its natural state. And until Moshiach comes no place will be completely safe. Is Israel really a safe place?! We may feel more comfortable there because it's a Jewish state. But, of course, Israel is surrounded by hatred. Israel is in a constant state of war with its neighbors who are essentially anti semitic, but hiding it behind nationalistic ideas
(16) L M, February 27, 2017 11:19 PM
I am with HaShem and the Torah
Although I am not Jewish (I tried to convert Orthodox, but realized I can love HaShem in my own way without conversion), I am with the people of Israel and would support them with my life against any threat.
Anonymous, February 28, 2017 3:01 PM
AMEN!
(15) Jacob, February 27, 2017 5:40 PM
Europe is going to major turmoil soon...
...because they have inmigrants that will make a whole mess there. They are full of hatred and there will be violence. They are already 5-10% of some of the countries that recieved them and they don't want to assimilate to the European culture. Jews neither wanted assimilation. The difference is that they contributed to the country they lived, paid there taxes and even had prayers for safety of the country that let them live there. Jews should leave Europe for good to Israel or USA, Australia or Canada. Though, the best place to be is Israel because it's our home.
(14) Kat, February 27, 2017 4:57 PM
Trump =//= "good guy"
I must respectfully disagree. Trump is not "good" by any stretch of the imagination. His disrespect for other human beings (especially women and minorities) directly contradicts the teachings of most religions.
(13) Anonymous, February 27, 2017 3:34 PM
Hm, more differentiation please
As I live in Germany I must make a few remarks: the author - perhaps due to the language barrier - failed to notice that all papers and TV channels hightlighted the attack numerous times on the Berlin Rabbi. Gaza war was bad, but no, unlike prob many other countries, papers like die Welt stood solidly by Israel. There are numerous articles which increasingly Focus also on left wing or islamic antisemitism. There are I like Israel days organised in many cities (in what other Country?). Many Jews do not advertise Jewishness also simply in order to not invite philosemitism or have to explain kashrut etc for X time. Besides, its noones Business. comparted to France, Sweden, Belgium, UK, life is in generally ok. you will Encounter antisemitism everywhere (even in Israel, my own experience). One core Problem is the media portrayel of Israel - if you have no Background info and are misinformed, then you will be biased. we are very concerned by the enormous influx of arab and muslim (illegal) migrants/asylum seekers - ironically encouraged by Merkel as a sign of atornement for WWII (encouraged by Obama I might add and UK and many jewish communities outside Germany who ignore the concerns of Jews in Germany). Many People - including non jews - in Germany are attempting to get second passports etc - why? coiz with Putin, Trump, Le Pen, Wilders, Orban, Brexit, ISIP in Poland etc the world is becoming "interesting" and anyone with Brains is observing very closely in order to get out in time.
(12) Anonymous, February 27, 2017 1:12 AM
What short memories we have!
It doesn't seem possible that in such a comparatively short time after the holocaust we are seeing the rise of anti-semitism again.Why are the Jews hated so much? The media has a lot to answer for! I am a Christian with a heart for Israel.
(11) Mike, February 27, 2017 1:11 AM
I don't mean to be insensitive, but I have no idea why a Jew would want to live in Germany. I am sure people have their reasons, but it is a mystery to me. I once asked a local Rabbi who survived the Holocaust and he also could not explain it.
(10) Johanna O'Sullivan, February 26, 2017 10:21 PM
Ireland is a very anti-Semitic country too; its anti-Semitism is the vicious one: the old Catholic one plus the new, Muslim-Palestinian. But is that right thing to do for Jews--to surrender to the stupid Islamic fanatics and leave their countries; except Germany and France, of course, for these countries are incurable. Israel is a very small country, obviously it cannot accommodate all Jews. Maybe, we will fight back, after all Jews have more right to live in Europe and US than those Muslim radicals. And to be honest, not every non-Jewish European or American hates Jews, or loves Muslim fanatics.
(9) Ron Jontof-Hutter, February 26, 2017 10:15 PM
Germany talks with a forked tongue. It promotes a future Israel with non defensible borders. It funds radical anti Israel NGOs like Zochrot which advocates the return of 5 million Arab "refugees". Germany has a close relationship with Iran, and pays occasional mild lip service to Iran's calls for Israel's destruction. The Iranians smile and get on with the lucrative deals knowing it's German PC, nothing more.
(8) william j. price, February 26, 2017 9:01 PM
how horrible!
i'm almost 70. each year i love jews and israel more and more. my memory is so bad i have trouble remembering even a handful of hebrew words--i could never convert to judiasim for that reason, but in my heart i am becoming a jew. i am with you. i see these things as you do. i care and try to change people's bad thoughts to good ones. just one at a time. because i am not known as a jew, i can say "they (the jews) are good people. they are being wronged in the press. they're the good people! we should support them!" i hope i am having some effect. i will keep trying.
(7) sylvia, February 26, 2017 8:41 PM
it is frightening
I think we all have to be very awake. to be asleep is nieve.
(6) Bunnie Perlman, February 26, 2017 6:27 PM
It's time to come home to Israel
How many cemeteries have to be vandalized, how many Jewish/Israeli speakers have to be denied the right to speak on American campuses, how many JCCs have to receive bomb threats etc. until Americans as well as Europeans see what is happening. Anti-semitism once in action, always continues until it has run its sad course. Don't be like Jews in the past who ignored the signs until it was too late. Israel is waiting for you to come home!
(5) Ruth S., February 26, 2017 4:36 PM
True enough
Dear Julia, "The question kept gnawing at me: Why didn’t more Jews leave in the early 30s? Why did they wait so long?" I have had this question in mind for so long and slowly the answers trickled in. I am taking a short online course entitled 'The Holicaust: An Introduction' in two parts offered on futurelearn.com It was developed by Tel Aviv University and Yad Vashem. Those questions that you have written are quite literally answered in that course. And as you yourself have asked and partly answered, "what does leaving mean"? The answers that slowly trickled in (as I asked those questions) are part and parcel of what the course has revealed and the main ones that you have given. Kol hakavod that you've made aliya!!! We have been going for Pessach and Succos to Berlin for sometime and will be in the future and I am not too estatic about it but, such is the case. It's all true that we should take care and be careful. Very uneasy. Very uncomfortable. Always very watchful with eyes, ears and our instincts. Would rather be in Eretz Israel. Thank you for writing this and confirming my fears. And to those who commented, it is such comfort to read your experiences. With kind regards, do take care, Ruth
(4) harry lowenstein, February 26, 2017 3:43 PM
i am a holocaust surviver, born in germany and went through the riga ghetto and several concentration camps. as described in your
article it is almost a repetition of the late 1930, and i am glad you got out
julia, February 26, 2017 11:28 PM
thanks
Thanks so much for your comment and all the others. Would really like to get in contact.
(3) Izzy H, February 26, 2017 3:33 PM
Why the US?
once she was leaving why would one go to the US & not Israel? We r all going to have to start a new Nd no Different here in the US - the signs r everywhere but we r in a bubble
(2) Mike, February 26, 2017 2:55 PM
the only question is 'when'
I too grew up in Germany and my view is that one the taboo of antisemitism breaks (and this can happen through a protest by Arabs in response to a war of Israel), there is no turning back. There is so much pent-up hatred for Jews (which I know to be there) that the potential for a new persection of Jews is there.
Also, there is a crisis in Germany with the many refugees. The way things are going, all the established political parties are doing nothing but downplaying, and there is potential for either extreme-rightists/neo-nazis to win, or for leftists who support further immigration but who also 'criticize" Israel (eg. "Gruene"). The trend is going in a direction of Germany losing its direction, and in the end the Jews are easy casualties of this.
In my opinion, simply because of the latent but at the same time virulent antisemitism and a lack of being kept in check, it is only a question of time (perhaps 5 years,perhaps 20 years,who knows), when it will be eventually(!) unleashed and then there is no turning back.
I remember what Mr.Bubis, one time chairman of the organization of Jewish communities (and also a concentration camp survivor) said.
He was asked when the time to leave Germany comes.
I will never forget his answer.
He said: When the OFFICIAL bodies, such as the police and the govn offices start to turn against Jews and discriminate against them (in not just a single case but as something that is approved 'von oben') then it's time to leave IMMEDIATELY. Again, he emphasized IMMEDIATELY without losing a minute.
(1) Jon, February 26, 2017 2:51 PM
Latent anti-semitism in US
Julia, welcome to USA as a new immigrant..yes you will feel better because of freedom of religion. Alas, I must warn you that there is always latent antisemitism under the surface now in US. We are fortune to have US President Trump as most surportive Prez to Israel and Jews. After Trump, it is wise and commanded by Hashem to move to Israel ASAP before it's too late. Still, there are always some non-Jewish Americans will be always supportive and protect Jews and Israel. However, Hashem commands all Jews all around the world to move to Israel ASAP.
sylvia, February 26, 2017 8:42 PM
I agree.