Saints and Liars: The Story of American Aid Workers Who Helped Jewish Refugees Escape the Holocaust
2025-01-26 12:00
During the darkest hours of the Holocaust, a group of courageous American aid workers risked their lives to help Jewish refugees escape Nazi persecution. Their story is one of heroism, compassion, and defiance in the face of unimaginable evil.
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
The JDC was a Jewish relief organization founded in 1914. In the years leading up to the Holocaust, the JDC provided food, clothing, and medical care to Jewish communities across Europe. As the Nazis rose to power, the JDC’s work became increasingly perilous.
The Visa Scam
In 1940, the JDC hatched a daring plan to help Jewish refugees escape from Nazi-occupied Europe. They obtained thousands of blank visas from the Portuguese government, which they then distributed to refugees in hiding. The visas allowed the refugees to travel to Lisbon, Portugal, where they could board ships for the United States.
The visa scam was a massive undertaking. JDC workers had to forge documents, bribe officials, and transport refugees across treacherous borders. They worked tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to save as many lives as possible.
The Righteous Among the Nations
Many of the JDC workers who helped Jewish refugees escape the Holocaust were recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem. These individuals risked their lives to save others, and their actions serve as a testament to the power of human compassion.
The Legacy of the JDC
The JDC’s work during the Holocaust is a reminder of the importance of humanitarian aid in times of crisis. The organization continues to provide vital assistance to vulnerable communities around the world, carrying on the legacy of those who risked their lives to save others during the darkest hours of history.
The Role of Education
The story of the JDC and other aid workers who helped Jewish refugees escape the Holocaust is an important reminder of the dangers of hatred and intolerance. By teaching about the Holocaust, we can help to prevent future genocides and promote understanding and compassion.
Conclusion
The story of the American aid workers who helped Jewish refugees escape the Holocaust is a powerful testament to the human spirit. Their courage, compassion, and defiance in the face of evil should inspire us all to stand up for what is right and to never give up hope in the face of adversity.
Saints and liars: The story of American aid workers who helped Jewish refugees escape the Holocaust
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