The Jehovah's Witnesses and the Nazis: Persecution, Deportation, and Murder, 1933-1945
Reviews (31)
A FASCINATING HISTORICAL SURVEY OF THE WITNESSES UNDER NAZISM
Michael Berenbaum (former President and CEO of the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, and a director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum) wrote in his Introduction to this 1999 book, "Jehovah's Witnesses were isolated and harangued from 1933 on... They refused to enlist in the army, to undertake air raid drills, and to stop meeting or proselytizing. 'Heil Hitler' never passed their lips... Five thousand Witnesses were sent to concentration camps where they alone were 'voluntary prisoners.' The moment they recanted their views, they could be freed... Such behavior is astounding, to be admired for its fidelity to commitment, even where one disagrees with such a tradition. It is because of the integrity of the Witnesses' behavior, their fidelity to their own tradition and belief, that they have a special place in my heart." Here are some quotations from the book: "Who were these so-called undesirables? The first Germans interned in the camps were Communists, Social Democrats, labor leaders, and the Jehovah's Witnesses." (Pg. 4) "It should be noted that the Witnesses were and are in conflict with the authorities in many countries. In the United States, for example, they were not recognized as conscientious objectors because they refused the use of force utterly: They were awaiting the battle of Armageddon, the final combat when Satan would be vanquished." (Pg. 47) "I was told that I COULD sign the statement first because it didn't mention the Jehovah's Witnesses but only the Bible Students, and then because it wasn't wrong to fool the enemy in order to go free and to better serve Jehovah on the outside." (Pg. 61) "Germany invaded Denmark and Norway on April 9, 1940... Norway's 462 members continued their activities clandestinely without too much interference or ill treatment." (Pg. 123) "Even though I didn't share their religious beliefs, with the benefit of time I can only have a certain sense of respect for these men... Even Rudolf Hoss's testimony attested to the courage of these inmates. How many prisoners placed before the choice of assured death would have shown the same courage?" (Pg. 219)
The author can not and will not understand Jehovah Witnesses ...
The author can not and will not understand Jehovah Witnesses. Although it give a lot of cronological facts of events it digs too deep in the pain and not how the victims look upon their trials but how others considered why the victims accepted their trials and beared in a dignify way. Besides it put JW's point of view pararel to communists pointeing only difference is Stanlin or Jehovah. Indeed that remark is offensive. Some interviewed persons such as Margaret (Neumann??..because she was not married to Neumann) was somebody although impressed by their actitude was still hard critical upon JW's since heself would bend her own standards upon her convenience. Upon interviewing Gertrud Potzinger, it higlight the fact that she was a maid to Nazi's. Family but reality that is called slavery, it was against Gertrude's will and without payment, even separating her or her family and fellow believers. Gertrude's attitude upon her odeal is not even mentioned although in video interview is clearly seen how she never allowed this ordeal to robbed her from her joice.
An overlooked aspect of the holocaust: No more.
As one of Jehovah Witness I was so moved and touched by this book. I have a keen interest in history and the holocaust. I have several books and accounts of people who had lived thru this atrocity. However, nothing has given such insight to the account of the Jehovah's Witnesses like this book. Not many are aware that other groups and minorities were hunted for as like the Jews. Exterminated and sent to death camps. This book has shed light on the reasons, details and shocking treatment that was faced by these people who's only crime was the love and devotion to there God Jehovah and love of there brotherhood. Reading this book has given me a profound feeling of pride and appreciation for my fellow brothers and sisters in my faith. This is my spiritual heritage. By no means is this just a book for Jehovah's Witnesses, it's a book for all those who have an interest in the holocaust. No matter what religion or person that suffered the holocaust they all had one thing in common, an absolute tragic and disgusting persecution of humanity.
Jehovah's Witnesses and the Nazi regime...
This book is one of the most concisely detailed description of how an evil dictator's idealism ( the Nazi regime) becomes a government and law of the land. I find it truly remarkable that common folk aloud this dictatorship to rise in power to the point it did. I suppose considering the era this happened, during the great depression, is what has much to do with the answer. Also people of that time probably couldn't conceive of such heinous violence. It is truly amazing that one small group of religiously devout people stood up against the Nazis ideals and spoke out so publicly, even when they knew the consequences of such actions! It begs the question, why did they choose such a course? Encouring the wrath of Hitler himself could not stop them from speaking out! Wow! This small group known as Jehovah's Witnesses now has grown to become a big group, huge group, numbering in the millions. Wow, again! What's the big deal? What's their secret?!
The Jehovah's Witnesses and the Nazis: Persecution, Deportation and Murder, 1933-1945
It is rewarding to read a book that has attempted to present the facts as accurately as possible, free from personal interpretation of events that they are not personally familiar with. I have read various accounts of the experiences of Jehovah's Witnesses in the Holocaust, as well as, in other lands. More often than not, the author has a personal opinion which obscures the reality. I appreciate the authors' attempt to put this book into the words of the victims.
Five Stars
good book, very wordy, hard to get through, but good
This is one of the best book I ever receive
This is one of the best book I ever receive, I love it. Thanks for providing me the oportunits of reading it.
Five Stars
Very happy with service and item
Amazing collections of history!!
Very impressed with this collection of work. The author tried very hard to stick close to the original stories told by actual witnesses. Very very inspiring!! Must read!
Five Stars
Sad to read but important.
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