Historical Analysis of Antisemitism Responses

As antisemitism rises, many,

including some Jews, are blaming Jews.

The idea is that we are making a fuss,

which makes people hate us.

Did Jews ever try to accommodate antisemitism before?

In 1921, the same year Hitler took control

of the newly formed Nazi party,

a Jewish group formed to support them.

It was called the Association of German National Jews.

Max Naumann, the founder, was a Berlin lawyer and decorated World War I veteran.

The group's founding doctrine was that German Jews were essentially German, not ethnically Jewish.

Naumann wrote that German Jews must distinguish between three kinds of Jews.

Those who have lived long enough in Germany and have the feeling that they have always been German.

The assimilated and the Zionists.

The group, whose total membership never exceeded a tiny percent of German Jewry,

opposed Zionists, Marxists, and cosmopolitan liberal Jews.

They defined themselves as the right kind of Jew,

reasoning that Nazis wouldn't harm such loyal Germans.

Sound familiar?

Some of them believe Nazi antisemitism was basically an electoral tool used to stir up the masses,

an opinion familiar with some Jewish politicians today, who say they criticize AIPAC to get elected, even though they know it's antisemitic.

They advocated against the Jewish efforts around the world to boycott Nazi goods to economically weaken the Nazi regime.

As late as 1935, Naumann sent a message to Hitler,

asking him to repeal the ban on Jews raising the German flag.

The order spells undeserved humiliation for thousands of Jews who distinguished themselves during the last World War.

He wrote, Just three months later, the Nazis officially dissolved the Association of German National Jews.