Nazi Anti-Semitism and the Long History of Anti-Jewish Sentiment in Europe

During World War II, many people assume that the Germans were the only ones who despised Jews. However, this was a deeply ingrained sentiment that predated the Nazi regime by centuries. Let's delve into the historical context and explore why the Nazi regime made the Jews their primary target.

History of Anti-Jewish Sentiment in Europe

Anti-Semitism is not a modern invention; it has a long and complex history in Europe, dating back over a millennium. Jews have been demonized, persecuted, and marginalized in various ways throughout history, making them an easy target for both personal and ideological reasons.

The Role of the Judensau in Fostering Anti-Jewish Sentiment

The Judensau, or Jewish sow, is one of the most notorious symbols of anti-Jewish sentiment. This motif first appeared in 13th Century Germany, often depicted on churches and cathedrals. The image showed Jews in a debasing and obscene manner, sucking on the teats of a large female sow. This symbol not only reinforced negative stereotypes about Jews but also served as a physical manifestation of their supposedly demonic and inferior nature.

German Anti-Semitism Before the Nazi Regime

My own family experienced the reality of anti-Jewish sentiment firsthand. Growing up in post-World War II Germany, I often felt the lingering effects of the pre-Nazi medieval form of anti-Semitism. While life in Nürnberg was sometimes wonderful, the underlying anti-Jewish attitudes were hard to escape.

The Impact of Anti-Semitic Religious Leaders

The Judensau wasn't only a physical representation; it was also perpetuated by religious leaders. In my homeland, there was often a stark divide between Jewish and non-Jewish communities, even within the context of religious institutions.

The Roman Catholic Church

The nearby Roman Catholic Church was a case in point. Despite the priest's apparent kindness, he eventually abandoned our family and others like us, avoiding contact and avoiding eye contact out of fear of contracting an evil curse. This fear was deeply ingrained and used to justify hatred and discrimination.

The Lutheran Church

Even those who denounced Catholic teachings continued to propagate these negative stereotypes. For instance, Martin Luther, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, commented on a Judensau in Wittenberg, where he declared that the Jews were "little and very cute kids" but also "the epitome of evil."

The Nazi Regime and the Jews as Enemy Number One

The Nazi regime exploited and intensified these longstanding prejudices. They portrayed Jews as vermin, not just heretics or heathens. This dehumanization was crucial for their ideology, which required love of the dictator combined with hatred of an enemy. Any resistance or critical stance against the regime was viewed as support for the Jews, the ultimate enemy.

The Difficulty of Assimilation for Jews in Germany

German anti-Semitism wasn't just about physical symbols and religious leaders; it was also deeply rooted in the societal expectations that made assimilation nearly impossible. In pre-war Germany, Jews had significant identity markers, like watermarks on birth certificates, that made them stand out. Furthermore, centralized record-keeping ensured that ethnic differences were well-documented and easily identifiable.

Modern-Day Duration of Anti-Semitic Sentiment

Despite the passage of time, anti-Semitic sentiment still lingers in parts of Europe. For instance, in Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine, Jews are still viewed with suspicion and hatred. A personal anecdote from Ukraine highlights the persistence of this bias: a Jewish woman was spit on and called a "dirty Jew" simply because she was pregnant and walking through a park in her native Ukraine.

Conclusion

The persecution of Jews during World War II was not unique to Nazi Germany; it was a manifestation of an old and deeply ingrained prejudice. Understanding this history helps us recognize the importance of combating all forms of discrimination and hatred, ensuring that the past is not repeated.