Your curiosity propelled you to learn. You don’t say here if you had family still in Germany who were involved. Your parents chose to live in an area largely populated by those from whom you learned. In our Ohio Jewish family, with my dad (z”l) who fought in Europe, there were whispers so the “kinder” wouldn’t hear. The neighbors who were Jewish too had numbers tattooed. I must’ve been told at some point why. You and I lived and learned this. Today the lessons of this, Japanese Internment Camps, Black people brought in chains to servitude, are increasingly not taught. The lessons today vilify those who want a better life who risk life to get to the US only to be sent away, handcuffed. We Boomers must tell the stories we learned and compare today’s irrational hate with the past. Thank you for this.
Thanks for your comment, Joan. You're right that we must share our stories with the young so they can learn from the past.
I don't know anything about possible distant relatives who may have lived in Germany during the War years. When my great-grandparents came to America in the late nineteenth century there was literally no way for them to maintain contact with the old country -- especially in rural Northern Minnesota where there was no electricity, or even indoor plumbing, and before there was radio or telephones.
In the early twentieth century, during WW I Germany was an enemy of the U.S., and their little German community would likely have tried to avoid calling attention to themselves by staying in touch with family members still there. One of my sisters did some genealogical research several years ago, but didn't learn much more than to determine the general area where they had come from. They were ordinary folks, not highly prominent leaders, so only very sketchy records can be found.
I wish Henry Louis Gates, Jr., loved us all so much to dig deeper for us too. We know that if they can find what they do, our families too could be traced. It is as painful to not know as it is to know.
Tho' I'm only in my late 70s, when I tell younger people of the antisemitism I experienced all my life, they are astounded. They think that the phrase "Jew you down" is a common one and not hurtful. Being called a "Christ-killer" as a child on the grammar school playground always felt threatening tho' the first time, I am sure I had no idea what it meant. My parents (z"l) made sure I understood what hate toward anyone was and that I would stand up for others as well as myself.
All of us have stories to tell - of families and from our experiences. We must counter hate with knowledge.
My wish is that your family could be found. It takes time and I was so grateful that on my maternal side a cousin (that we didn't know before he found us) did. Now I know a bit more of timing and relationships for my maternal grandfather with whom I only had 6 years of my life but oh how I adored him.
Only eighty years and no lessons learned - we are on the cusp of history in repeat - it can and will happen here - the victims are different - the hatred unchanging - a scapegoat to blame...
0y. Join the resistance. Don't let them get away with their lies. cast out the insurrectionists of 2020 and 2024 (who should have been banned from office).
ALL OF THEM should have been banned, even those who voted not to certify the results of the 2020 election. They knew 45 was lying. They lied to the gullible for political power, but how much do they have if 45 jerks their strings?
"eighty years and no lessons learned" how sad but true
"Join the resistance." there's the rub. The Resistance was the Nov.4 election, and America failed. Now what. The evil autocrat has all the power and resources of the govt, and is surrounded by self-serving sycophants. If the resistance is at the balance, too late. If the resistance is violent opposition, it'll be crushed violently.
America chose fascism.
We're back in Germany's 1933, and that didn't end well.
I don't want to sound too pessimistic, but America had the chance to end Trump's evil regime, and instead, it handed him the keys to the kingdom.
And he's wasting no time building his fascist dictatorship.
You know I have a lot of respect for you, Roger. But I couldn't disagree more with your fatalist assessment. America has not failed, nor is this Germany 1933. And it is absolutely not "too late."
November 4 was not the Resistance. It was a single day in an effort that began decades ago, continues today, and likely will persist until your grandchildren are adults. It was a battle lost, not a conclusive defeat. If "Join the Resistance!" doesn't resonate with you any more, try "Freedom is a Constant Struggle!"
For most Americans, running away is not an option. For members of the Feathers of Hope network, and other citizen activist groups, it's inconceivable. We are not giving up, and not giving in.
BTW, moving to Canada is not as easy you may think, especially if you have no job there, no special skills, no family connection, are not under the age of 50, and/or you have limited financial resources. One or more of these is generally required for permanent residence. (Of course, if you're already a Canadian citizen, it's quite simple. Just pack up and show your passport at the border.)
I clearly posted my rant in a state of depression and frustration.
I understand it's barely half of those who voted who supported Trump, but they have (had?) a disproportionate impact on the outcome: WH, Senate, House of Reps all under Trump's control. Although the tight margins in Congress suggest a vulnerability.
And I respect the resilience and forward-looking vision of you and your community.
I just get so damn frustrated to see and hear this pathological liar spewing his hate and ignorance day after day. My wife and I can't even watch the news any more ... this man's insatiable need for attention is insane.
As for Canada, my comment was in jest ... I'm already a Canadian living in Canada. And even here, our news is Trump Trump Trump ... his threat of tariffs has upended our entire political landscape. Oh to rid of this terrible hateful ignorant man.
So I guess I owe you and your followers an apology for my negativity.
But we have learned, Elise. That's why there's so much work being done at the grass roots level to fight the re-emergence of this horrible movement. It's not easy, but there's never been more determination to stay the course.
I thought about this yesterday when men in uniforms raided churches in Atlanta ripping Christian worshippers from pews, confiscating bibles for shackles. When they came for the Migrants…
so much for "never again". It's happening again in America (and with Elon Musk's help, across Europe). A very dark turn in history, and Americans facilitated it. Trump and Project 2025 should have been dust; instead, it's the new America.
Just another round of history where a stupid electorate gets conned my psychopathic liar. And it never ends well.
Jerry is right to remind us of the meaning of Jan.27; but look what America did on Nov.4. Shame on America.
Okay, Roger, I understand your disappointment with "America". But I reject your reprimand of shame, as though there's some kind of unanimous support for fascism or that we all bear collective responsibility for the re-election of DJT. There's no need to repeat all the reasons why he achieved a razor-thin majority victory. I'm sure you're fully aware of them.
Dismissing the entire electorate as "stupid" is not helpful, nor is it particularly accurate. "Poorly informed and cynically manipulated" would be a far better way of characterizing the many millions who are relentlessly subjected to misinformation and outright lies by right-wing media. They are our fellow citizens, and now more than ever they need our care and attention. This is not a time to abandon them.
Again, apologies for overstating my frustration. And of course I don't mean to imply "all" Americans support Trump's fascist program. Looks like barely half of those who voted (which is still troubling) but considering that almost 90 million eligible voters didn't vote, that's still a small % of Americans supporting Trump. The problem lies with the disproportionate power yielded by that minority.
"Poorly informed and cynically manipulated" is indeed a better way to describe many of those who fell for the right-wing propaganda. Maybe his over-the-top Dictator-style behavior since taking office will open some eyes.
I expect the 2026 mid-terms may indeed be the end of this fascist regime, and an opportunity to impeach and "fire" Trump once and for all.
It's a sad commentary on the state of our Republic right now, Jon.
But let's remember that the meaning of "Never Again!" is not to predict the future. It's a call to eternal vigilance, to alert us all to the ever-present potential of something like the holocaust indeed happening again. More importantly, "Never Again!" is meant to inspire action whenever needed to prevent its reoccurrence. That is now, and it's for us to do.
Oh my! I’ve been reading your powerful posts for several years and never realized we shared the same background. My family moved to Skokie from Chicago in 1956, when I was ten. I graduated high school in 1963, seemingly the same year as you. But not from one of the Skokie high schools — from Evanston Township High School, because our house was in the Evanston school district part of Skokie. So were we ETHS classmates? My own Holocaust revelations came when I was cast as Mr. Dussel in the ETHS production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” my sophomore year. For months I existed in a melancholy fog as the reality of the Holocaust sank in for me. Perhaps we should continue to share our similar backgrounds privately. Interested?
Well Jon, it's not surprising that you're unaware of our shared history since I've never written specifically about my own bio.
Though I lived in Evanston I didn't attend ETHS. I went to the Catholic high school, St. George. But there were a few kids in the circle I ran with who went to ETHS. And I briefly dated one of your cheer leaders:
"Hi! H - I ! That spells Hi !
It means we're here.
We'll beat New Trier.
So Hi! H I ! "
Where did you live? I lived near Dodge and Oakton Streets. You can reach me directly at JerryWeiss@substack.com
When you come back from some time off you really don't mess around Jerry. This is a beautiful and very powerful piece of history and call to action. Although I'm 5 years younger than you and Charles, the memories you share of Evanston bring back fond and clear memories. My first interaction with Jewish people was in CA in 6th grade when two boys became the first Jews in our school and the first that most of us had ever even seen, let alone met. Both had parents who had survived, and grandparents who, with one exception, hadn't. At NU I worked at Myerson's Pharmacy and got a much closer look at the impact of the Holocaust on American families. Reticence is the overriding theme of historical discussions until our generation where my Jewish friends are now forthcoming about their family history because it must never be forgotten.
Dave, you say "it must never be forgotten", but clearly on Nov.4 America did forget, and put in place America's Hitler and his evil regime. I switch the channel from Holocaust remembrance ("never again") to today's rounding up (with any due process) of "illegal aliens" (the New Jews). And now will God Bless America?
I over-stated my disappointment, Dave. Of course it was a minority who put him back in office. Hopefully, the disproportionate power of that MAGA minority will be dissipated by 2026, as the reality of his insanity takes hold.
I realize that I've not posted for a while, Dave. That's mostly because my focus at Feathers of Hope is the House of Representatives where its been pretty quiet lately. But I'm working on something now that should be ready soon.
It took a very long time for me to write this story about my adolescent years. Not only was it difficult to resurrect all the emotions of the time, I wanted to get the tone exactly right.
I very much appreciate your description of the piece, as well as all the responses I've received both here and privately. It seems to have resonated with a lot of people. You are exactly right that as the last survivors pass away there's a new sense of urgency among our generation to be forthcoming about retelling the history so it's never forgotten.
Your mention of Myerson's struck a familiar chord. So you went to Northwestern? I had wanted to go there too -- applied and was accepted, but couldn't afford it without a scholarship. But I still spent a lot of time there attending lectures and other events. Great place!
It was a great time and I still get together weekly with a group of NU friends.
I completely understand you taking time off Jerry. We all need to marshall our resources and make sure we're ready when the excrement enters the ventilation system.
My brother lives 2 blocks from the Tree of Life Synagogue, Pittsburgh, Pa., site of the murders of 11 innocent Jews. You don't have to go to Auschwitz....
Daniel, you just have to turn on the news - we're watching the beginning of the Nazi regime in America. So much for warnings - are Americans stupid? Gullible? Ignorant of history? Racist?
What a dark chapter this will be in American history.
As a follow-up, I over-stated my disappointment and frustration. I'm not referring "all" Americans, just those who were gullible enough to vote for Trump yet again. I think he'll do so much damage in the next 2 years that the trance will finally be broken. Plus the hard work of Jerry and this community will make 2026 the election that puts an end to Trump/MAGA-power.
The scariest part of re-reading and re-reading is that the sadness grows like a cancer. It does because of the reading I’ve been doing about my own country’s ugly ugly hate. From Indians ( I am from Idaho), to hangings of Black humans ( now live in Va.). to the hate for those suffering from AIDS, I worked with beautiful Gays in the airlines, to the rage against other’s privacy( I am a woman).
What we should be doing is making those who need to spew hate and terror very very public and to keep , yes keep asking them “what is your ugliness caused by”? Do you need love? Do you need work that is paid for fairly? Do you need to share your doubts about your own sexuality?, Do you need parents who have had training in parenthood?, Do you need something you can’t quite share? Let us in…. Ask to be heard. But, first come to the table without your gun, your hate, your lack of knowledge. Come to the table to share your own story so the world can help you be a kinder , more beautiful person.
I will never never be able to erase the pictures we , the humans of this world ,
have forced on other human animals to feel…. What??? Better or more Powerful? Ask yourself…. Is cruel comforting. ? Is ugly a desire in your soul? Do you even know the meaning of terror that others have been forced to experience. ?
Those of us who are waking in the night with terror hovering over us… watch “Griselda”. Are you related?
OMG! This is a very powerful essay, Jerry Weiss! I was born in 1940 to Irish Catholic parents, and attended 12 years of Catholic girl's school. In the early years, us little girls were told that Jewish people were "dirty." And some had "cloven feet!" (It embarrasses me terribly to say that, but it was true.) I hasten to add that in high school (1955-8) those statements were never expressed by the catholic nuns or priests.
When I was much older, I read about the Holocaust and was absolutely horrified by what happened during that terrible time! And today is "Holocaust Memorial Day?" Really? I didn't know that and see that at the bottom of my monitor, there is always a little icon that says what important event happened on this day. I just clicked on it, and it says that it's "Mozart's birthday." Really? Is our society still pushing the memory of the persecution of the Jews aside?
So I just looked on line and asked Google a question that was answered as stated here:
"Yes, in 1998, the Catholic Church apologized for not taking stronger action against the Nazis during World War II. The Vatican Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews released a 12-page report that acknowledged the church's failures. The report also expressed regret for the passivity of Catholics who didn't speak out against the Nazis." (Better late then never, I add.)
And I want to say that, thanks to PBS, I have seen programs about the treatment of Jews up to and including the Nazi persecution. How could anything like that have ever been allowed to happen? "Man's inhumanity to man"--is what I say in my mind. And now in parts of Africa, "ethnic
cleansing" is happening again! When/If I ever get to heaven, my first question is going to be WHY? If God is the Good God as we are taught, then for God's sake: WHY do these egregious things happen?
I was referring to the mass murders of civilians over the years, Roger. And the ones that are happening now in Gaza and Africa especially.
If there is any blame for the low voter turnout, it was because of Biden who withdrew too late, and also because he provided Netanyahu with the bombs that have killed 46,000 Gaza residents or even more....not to mention those severely maimed! And now DJT says he, too, will provide more bombs to the IDF. These are terrible times....
Agreed, Biden should have pulled out a long time ago - he was supposed to be a "bridge to the next generation". It shows the consequences of "clinging to power". Biden was a Senator for 36 years, Vice-President for 8 years, and President for 4 years. You'd think that was enough. But no, he had to hang on for 4 more, had to cling to power. And he opened the door to Trump. As for Gaza, at least Kamala held out some hope and compassion to the Palestinians, but Trump is all-in with Netanyahu (another clinger to power).
These are indeed terrible times. I'm 78 and giving up on democracy. Where to now?
And I understand your frustration, your fear for the future. But giving up on democracy is precisely what this oligarchy wants us to do. Withdraw from the arena if you must. You've done your part and earned your rest. But please keep the faith!
Thank you so much for sharing your story Catherine. I hope you tell it often and to as many young people as possible.
At the time when I was learning about the Holocaust, I was still a faithful but already questioning Catholic. And I asked the priest in confession two WHY questions about God: Why does he allow such things to happen? and, If the earth is truly a speck in the universe as I was learning in science classes, Why would God care at all what happens here? ("The Lord acts in mysterious ways." and "You must have faith in God's love for us.") These replies were so disappointing that I felt I was being simply dismissed rather than engaged and answered. Now I realize that there was nothing else he could say. You either believe in such a god or you don't. If you do, no explanation will suffice.
I also grew up in a Catholic, working class neighborhood with a scattering of Jewish families. I think we all went through a metamorphosis that shattered our early, pollyannish view of the world. It is painful that so many cannot see the dangers posed by the American driftvtoward authoritarianism. Wonderful post.
Thank you, Tom. I've come to realize how important it is for us to share what we learned as the first post-Holocaust generation with youngest of our descendants. We can only ask that they "Never Forget!" if we tell them what to remember.
Jerry, thanks for your personal response to one of the greatest tragedies of human history, and a door to human society when led by evil men.
But today I watched a survivor of Auschwitz say we must never allow this to happen again.
Then, with a click of a button, on another station I am watching Trump surrogates justifying today's round-up "illegal aliens". Plus the dismantling of government institutions. Plus overriding the 14th Amendment. Plus a circle of sycophants promoting the Emperor while he moves America to Fascism.
I'm sure you recall that i ran a Substack newsletter for a couple years called "Neo-Fascism: A Warning." Well, clearly my warning went unheeded, and on Nov.4 we saw what someone called an "American Selfie". Madeline Albright once said that there has always been an undercurrent of fascism in American politics. Well, it ain't an undercurrent no more. It's front a centre and I have no doubt that America has said goodbye to the road of Democracy and we're headed down the road to Fascism. Trump asked today if there was anything to stop him from running again. Trump joking, say his surrogates. But in the words of historian Tim Snyder wrote "any election can be the last."
So while the world remembers the ultimate horror at Auschwitz and speakers say "never again", at the same time in America a new Fascist regime is taking hold in front of our eyes. If Hitler could speak from the grave he'd be saying "I'm baaaaack!"
Hannah Arendt survived a Gestapo prison and went on the write the definitive book on Totalitarianism, saying that the next round of Nazis will come from Madison Avenue wearing suits.
During the election a woman said she fear and detested Trump, but she had 6 kids and couldn't afford to buy groceries; that's why she voted for Trump. On Nov. 4 the majority of Americans showed that they're gullible, stupid, ignorant of history, and racist to the bone.
No, Dave, I haven't given up. In fact, I'm hopeful that the mid-terms will put an end to Trump's power. I guess I was just overcome with disappointment and frustration watching Trump signing all those Exec Order during the Holocaust "never again" memorials.
But I'm reminded today that Jerry and this community will be fighting back full force to turn things around in 2026. And that ignorant racist liar is helping to undermine his own power every day.
First of all, it was not "the majority of Americans". It was a tiny majority of the 64% of eligible voters who actually cast ballots on November 4. That is, about 32% of eligible voters voted for Trump.
And while some portion of those may be racist to the bone, many are the victims of constant lies and misinformation from right wing media -- or they're just not especially engaged in political conversations. In any case, we need to move beyond name-calling and despair.
To quote Joyce Vance:
"The easiest slide into autocracy is the one where we give up. Continuing to believe in democracy is a profound act of resistance and courage in a moment like this when we are being told it no longer matters.
You know that I completely understand, Roger. We've known each other long enough, and I know enough about your scholarship that I recognize the depth and source of the pain you're feeling now.
It's hard for us all. We need to keep lifting one another up from despair.
Part of the problem right now is that it's so overwhelming - it's like an avalanche of neo-fascism, non-stop executive orders, never-ending lies and scapegoating (today it's DEI responsible for a plane crash), and his surrogates - Steven Miller defending the indefensible, CNN becoming FOX-lite, "the People gave him a mandate", it's just too much.
And I don't think I'm the only one who's overwhelmed by all this.
But I'm encouraged by your courage (never saw the connection between those two words before) and perspective.
Yes, the fight must go on, and yes, "We need to keep lifting one another up from despair."
Jerry, thank you so much for sharing your story. So many want to forget the past, or, worse, pretend that it did not exist. But, to truly move forward we must understand and remember the past while keeping an eye on the future. There’s poetic justice in how International Holocaust Remembrance Day and MLK Day are celebrated during the same week and both in January, a time for us to pause and remember/reflect on the past and celebrate our freedoms while also focusing on goals for the future / new year ahead.
In 1982, I visited Dachau. I cannot say I wanted to go there, only that I felt I had to. It was my first time in Germany, and I could not imagine a visit to that country without visiting such a site, obliged to bear witness to one of history’s greatest tragedies. Dachau left me numb, sickened by the evilness that took place there. Decades later, I’ve never forgotten it.
Last year, I visited Amsterdam for the first time. As in my first visit to Germany, I felt compelled to visit the Anne Frank House. It was a surreal experience. The staff person who spoke about the history of what took place there was so moving, it was as if you literally felt what life was like for the Franke family and their friends who hid there before even stepping a foot inside. One comment that she shared (that has haunted me since the 2024 election and it’s awful aftermath) was how people in Amsterdam, in the early 1930s, never thought the Nazis would arrive in Amsterdam and do what they did, that could never happen there.
More than 40 years apart, those two visits are so vivid in my memory and both shake me to my core.
If only everyone could spend time in places like that and truly learn what happened, how unimaginable evil can destroy literally everything you care about, and recognize that it can happen again, if we do not learn from our past.
As a first generation American, I grew up with most of my relatives still living in Europe — they were in awe of all that America was and all that it offered. It made me feel so very lucky to live here. Someday, I hope to feel that way again.
SAT12, seems like we'll have to endure an evil regime at least until the 2026 midterms (IF there are midterms) and then hopefully Americans will wake up to what they've done and throw these neo-fascist cowards into the dustbowl of history.
Thank you for sharing your story, SAT 12. Please keep telling it.
I still feel lucky to be living here in this moment -- not happy, but blessed to have the opportunity of helping defeat the reemergence of this horrible evil force. Stopping it in the USA is crucial to protecting the world from another Holocaust, one that would be incalculably worse than the one we remember. It's a chance to repay the debt we owe to those who fought it to their death 80 years ago.
Outstanding video, Jewdicious. What a powerful art project Robert Sutz has produced, and is still producing at age 92! Thank you so much for introducing us to your site.
Your curiosity propelled you to learn. You don’t say here if you had family still in Germany who were involved. Your parents chose to live in an area largely populated by those from whom you learned. In our Ohio Jewish family, with my dad (z”l) who fought in Europe, there were whispers so the “kinder” wouldn’t hear. The neighbors who were Jewish too had numbers tattooed. I must’ve been told at some point why. You and I lived and learned this. Today the lessons of this, Japanese Internment Camps, Black people brought in chains to servitude, are increasingly not taught. The lessons today vilify those who want a better life who risk life to get to the US only to be sent away, handcuffed. We Boomers must tell the stories we learned and compare today’s irrational hate with the past. Thank you for this.
Thanks for your comment, Joan. You're right that we must share our stories with the young so they can learn from the past.
I don't know anything about possible distant relatives who may have lived in Germany during the War years. When my great-grandparents came to America in the late nineteenth century there was literally no way for them to maintain contact with the old country -- especially in rural Northern Minnesota where there was no electricity, or even indoor plumbing, and before there was radio or telephones.
In the early twentieth century, during WW I Germany was an enemy of the U.S., and their little German community would likely have tried to avoid calling attention to themselves by staying in touch with family members still there. One of my sisters did some genealogical research several years ago, but didn't learn much more than to determine the general area where they had come from. They were ordinary folks, not highly prominent leaders, so only very sketchy records can be found.
I wish Henry Louis Gates, Jr., loved us all so much to dig deeper for us too. We know that if they can find what they do, our families too could be traced. It is as painful to not know as it is to know.
Tho' I'm only in my late 70s, when I tell younger people of the antisemitism I experienced all my life, they are astounded. They think that the phrase "Jew you down" is a common one and not hurtful. Being called a "Christ-killer" as a child on the grammar school playground always felt threatening tho' the first time, I am sure I had no idea what it meant. My parents (z"l) made sure I understood what hate toward anyone was and that I would stand up for others as well as myself.
All of us have stories to tell - of families and from our experiences. We must counter hate with knowledge.
My wish is that your family could be found. It takes time and I was so grateful that on my maternal side a cousin (that we didn't know before he found us) did. Now I know a bit more of timing and relationships for my maternal grandfather with whom I only had 6 years of my life but oh how I adored him.
Thank you, Jerry, for engaging with me.
Only eighty years and no lessons learned - we are on the cusp of history in repeat - it can and will happen here - the victims are different - the hatred unchanging - a scapegoat to blame...
0y. Join the resistance. Don't let them get away with their lies. cast out the insurrectionists of 2020 and 2024 (who should have been banned from office).
ALL OF THEM should have been banned, even those who voted not to certify the results of the 2020 election. They knew 45 was lying. They lied to the gullible for political power, but how much do they have if 45 jerks their strings?
"eighty years and no lessons learned" how sad but true
"Join the resistance." there's the rub. The Resistance was the Nov.4 election, and America failed. Now what. The evil autocrat has all the power and resources of the govt, and is surrounded by self-serving sycophants. If the resistance is at the balance, too late. If the resistance is violent opposition, it'll be crushed violently.
America chose fascism.
We're back in Germany's 1933, and that didn't end well.
I don't want to sound too pessimistic, but America had the chance to end Trump's evil regime, and instead, it handed him the keys to the kingdom.
And he's wasting no time building his fascist dictatorship.
I'm moving to Canada.
You know I have a lot of respect for you, Roger. But I couldn't disagree more with your fatalist assessment. America has not failed, nor is this Germany 1933. And it is absolutely not "too late."
November 4 was not the Resistance. It was a single day in an effort that began decades ago, continues today, and likely will persist until your grandchildren are adults. It was a battle lost, not a conclusive defeat. If "Join the Resistance!" doesn't resonate with you any more, try "Freedom is a Constant Struggle!"
For most Americans, running away is not an option. For members of the Feathers of Hope network, and other citizen activist groups, it's inconceivable. We are not giving up, and not giving in.
BTW, moving to Canada is not as easy you may think, especially if you have no job there, no special skills, no family connection, are not under the age of 50, and/or you have limited financial resources. One or more of these is generally required for permanent residence. (Of course, if you're already a Canadian citizen, it's quite simple. Just pack up and show your passport at the border.)
.
Thanks for the wake-up call, Jerry.
I clearly posted my rant in a state of depression and frustration.
I understand it's barely half of those who voted who supported Trump, but they have (had?) a disproportionate impact on the outcome: WH, Senate, House of Reps all under Trump's control. Although the tight margins in Congress suggest a vulnerability.
And I respect the resilience and forward-looking vision of you and your community.
I just get so damn frustrated to see and hear this pathological liar spewing his hate and ignorance day after day. My wife and I can't even watch the news any more ... this man's insatiable need for attention is insane.
As for Canada, my comment was in jest ... I'm already a Canadian living in Canada. And even here, our news is Trump Trump Trump ... his threat of tariffs has upended our entire political landscape. Oh to rid of this terrible hateful ignorant man.
So I guess I owe you and your followers an apology for my negativity.
The fight goes on.
But we have learned, Elise. That's why there's so much work being done at the grass roots level to fight the re-emergence of this horrible movement. It's not easy, but there's never been more determination to stay the course.
TODAY IS HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY
I thought about this yesterday when men in uniforms raided churches in Atlanta ripping Christian worshippers from pews, confiscating bibles for shackles. When they came for the Migrants…
NEVER AGAIN?
so much for "never again". It's happening again in America (and with Elon Musk's help, across Europe). A very dark turn in history, and Americans facilitated it. Trump and Project 2025 should have been dust; instead, it's the new America.
Just another round of history where a stupid electorate gets conned my psychopathic liar. And it never ends well.
Jerry is right to remind us of the meaning of Jan.27; but look what America did on Nov.4. Shame on America.
Okay, Roger, I understand your disappointment with "America". But I reject your reprimand of shame, as though there's some kind of unanimous support for fascism or that we all bear collective responsibility for the re-election of DJT. There's no need to repeat all the reasons why he achieved a razor-thin majority victory. I'm sure you're fully aware of them.
Dismissing the entire electorate as "stupid" is not helpful, nor is it particularly accurate. "Poorly informed and cynically manipulated" would be a far better way of characterizing the many millions who are relentlessly subjected to misinformation and outright lies by right-wing media. They are our fellow citizens, and now more than ever they need our care and attention. This is not a time to abandon them.
Again, apologies for overstating my frustration. And of course I don't mean to imply "all" Americans support Trump's fascist program. Looks like barely half of those who voted (which is still troubling) but considering that almost 90 million eligible voters didn't vote, that's still a small % of Americans supporting Trump. The problem lies with the disproportionate power yielded by that minority.
"Poorly informed and cynically manipulated" is indeed a better way to describe many of those who fell for the right-wing propaganda. Maybe his over-the-top Dictator-style behavior since taking office will open some eyes.
I expect the 2026 mid-terms may indeed be the end of this fascist regime, and an opportunity to impeach and "fire" Trump once and for all.
It's a sad commentary on the state of our Republic right now, Jon.
But let's remember that the meaning of "Never Again!" is not to predict the future. It's a call to eternal vigilance, to alert us all to the ever-present potential of something like the holocaust indeed happening again. More importantly, "Never Again!" is meant to inspire action whenever needed to prevent its reoccurrence. That is now, and it's for us to do.
I agree wholeheartedly with you
Oh my! I’ve been reading your powerful posts for several years and never realized we shared the same background. My family moved to Skokie from Chicago in 1956, when I was ten. I graduated high school in 1963, seemingly the same year as you. But not from one of the Skokie high schools — from Evanston Township High School, because our house was in the Evanston school district part of Skokie. So were we ETHS classmates? My own Holocaust revelations came when I was cast as Mr. Dussel in the ETHS production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” my sophomore year. For months I existed in a melancholy fog as the reality of the Holocaust sank in for me. Perhaps we should continue to share our similar backgrounds privately. Interested?
Well Jon, it's not surprising that you're unaware of our shared history since I've never written specifically about my own bio.
Though I lived in Evanston I didn't attend ETHS. I went to the Catholic high school, St. George. But there were a few kids in the circle I ran with who went to ETHS. And I briefly dated one of your cheer leaders:
"Hi! H - I ! That spells Hi !
It means we're here.
We'll beat New Trier.
So Hi! H I ! "
Where did you live? I lived near Dodge and Oakton Streets. You can reach me directly at JerryWeiss@substack.com
When you come back from some time off you really don't mess around Jerry. This is a beautiful and very powerful piece of history and call to action. Although I'm 5 years younger than you and Charles, the memories you share of Evanston bring back fond and clear memories. My first interaction with Jewish people was in CA in 6th grade when two boys became the first Jews in our school and the first that most of us had ever even seen, let alone met. Both had parents who had survived, and grandparents who, with one exception, hadn't. At NU I worked at Myerson's Pharmacy and got a much closer look at the impact of the Holocaust on American families. Reticence is the overriding theme of historical discussions until our generation where my Jewish friends are now forthcoming about their family history because it must never be forgotten.
Dave, you say "it must never be forgotten", but clearly on Nov.4 America did forget, and put in place America's Hitler and his evil regime. I switch the channel from Holocaust remembrance ("never again") to today's rounding up (with any due process) of "illegal aliens" (the New Jews). And now will God Bless America?
Not everyone forgot Roger and, when we've disposed of Felon47, his cronies, and his owners, we must be sure to teach the lesson again.
I over-stated my disappointment, Dave. Of course it was a minority who put him back in office. Hopefully, the disproportionate power of that MAGA minority will be dissipated by 2026, as the reality of his insanity takes hold.
I realize that I've not posted for a while, Dave. That's mostly because my focus at Feathers of Hope is the House of Representatives where its been pretty quiet lately. But I'm working on something now that should be ready soon.
It took a very long time for me to write this story about my adolescent years. Not only was it difficult to resurrect all the emotions of the time, I wanted to get the tone exactly right.
I very much appreciate your description of the piece, as well as all the responses I've received both here and privately. It seems to have resonated with a lot of people. You are exactly right that as the last survivors pass away there's a new sense of urgency among our generation to be forthcoming about retelling the history so it's never forgotten.
Your mention of Myerson's struck a familiar chord. So you went to Northwestern? I had wanted to go there too -- applied and was accepted, but couldn't afford it without a scholarship. But I still spent a lot of time there attending lectures and other events. Great place!
It was a great time and I still get together weekly with a group of NU friends.
I completely understand you taking time off Jerry. We all need to marshall our resources and make sure we're ready when the excrement enters the ventilation system.
Feathers of Hope Indeed....thank you again....
My brother lives 2 blocks from the Tree of Life Synagogue, Pittsburgh, Pa., site of the murders of 11 innocent Jews. You don't have to go to Auschwitz....
Daniel, you just have to turn on the news - we're watching the beginning of the Nazi regime in America. So much for warnings - are Americans stupid? Gullible? Ignorant of history? Racist?
What a dark chapter this will be in American history.
As a follow-up, I over-stated my disappointment and frustration. I'm not referring "all" Americans, just those who were gullible enough to vote for Trump yet again. I think he'll do so much damage in the next 2 years that the trance will finally be broken. Plus the hard work of Jerry and this community will make 2026 the election that puts an end to Trump/MAGA-power.
I can’t write until I stop crying.
The scariest part of re-reading and re-reading is that the sadness grows like a cancer. It does because of the reading I’ve been doing about my own country’s ugly ugly hate. From Indians ( I am from Idaho), to hangings of Black humans ( now live in Va.). to the hate for those suffering from AIDS, I worked with beautiful Gays in the airlines, to the rage against other’s privacy( I am a woman).
What we should be doing is making those who need to spew hate and terror very very public and to keep , yes keep asking them “what is your ugliness caused by”? Do you need love? Do you need work that is paid for fairly? Do you need to share your doubts about your own sexuality?, Do you need parents who have had training in parenthood?, Do you need something you can’t quite share? Let us in…. Ask to be heard. But, first come to the table without your gun, your hate, your lack of knowledge. Come to the table to share your own story so the world can help you be a kinder , more beautiful person.
I will never never be able to erase the pictures we , the humans of this world ,
have forced on other human animals to feel…. What??? Better or more Powerful? Ask yourself…. Is cruel comforting. ? Is ugly a desire in your soul? Do you even know the meaning of terror that others have been forced to experience. ?
Those of us who are waking in the night with terror hovering over us… watch “Griselda”. Are you related?
I checked out Griselda; yet another cautionary tale.
I'm glad to be 78, but sad for my 7 yr old granddaughter; what is her future?
How sad that we can't learn from history, and that narcissists need to fill their insatiable emptiness with evil cruelty.
Powerful and haunting. Are we on the verge of yet another instance of our ability to be horribly cruel to one another?
My thoughts as well. But horrifyingly, I think we are past the verge. It's already happening.
agreed. on Nov.4 America passed the verge, and daily we see that it's already happening right in front of our eyes.
OMG! This is a very powerful essay, Jerry Weiss! I was born in 1940 to Irish Catholic parents, and attended 12 years of Catholic girl's school. In the early years, us little girls were told that Jewish people were "dirty." And some had "cloven feet!" (It embarrasses me terribly to say that, but it was true.) I hasten to add that in high school (1955-8) those statements were never expressed by the catholic nuns or priests.
When I was much older, I read about the Holocaust and was absolutely horrified by what happened during that terrible time! And today is "Holocaust Memorial Day?" Really? I didn't know that and see that at the bottom of my monitor, there is always a little icon that says what important event happened on this day. I just clicked on it, and it says that it's "Mozart's birthday." Really? Is our society still pushing the memory of the persecution of the Jews aside?
So I just looked on line and asked Google a question that was answered as stated here:
"Yes, in 1998, the Catholic Church apologized for not taking stronger action against the Nazis during World War II. The Vatican Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews released a 12-page report that acknowledged the church's failures. The report also expressed regret for the passivity of Catholics who didn't speak out against the Nazis." (Better late then never, I add.)
And I want to say that, thanks to PBS, I have seen programs about the treatment of Jews up to and including the Nazi persecution. How could anything like that have ever been allowed to happen? "Man's inhumanity to man"--is what I say in my mind. And now in parts of Africa, "ethnic
cleansing" is happening again! When/If I ever get to heaven, my first question is going to be WHY? If God is the Good God as we are taught, then for God's sake: WHY do these egregious things happen?
Catherine, you ask "WHY do these egregious things happen?"
On Nov4 Americans could have stopped Trump cold. But they didn't.
And I don't think God will Bless America now.
I was referring to the mass murders of civilians over the years, Roger. And the ones that are happening now in Gaza and Africa especially.
If there is any blame for the low voter turnout, it was because of Biden who withdrew too late, and also because he provided Netanyahu with the bombs that have killed 46,000 Gaza residents or even more....not to mention those severely maimed! And now DJT says he, too, will provide more bombs to the IDF. These are terrible times....
Agreed, Biden should have pulled out a long time ago - he was supposed to be a "bridge to the next generation". It shows the consequences of "clinging to power". Biden was a Senator for 36 years, Vice-President for 8 years, and President for 4 years. You'd think that was enough. But no, he had to hang on for 4 more, had to cling to power. And he opened the door to Trump. As for Gaza, at least Kamala held out some hope and compassion to the Palestinians, but Trump is all-in with Netanyahu (another clinger to power).
These are indeed terrible times. I'm 78 and giving up on democracy. Where to now?
Sadly, I agree with you about Joe Biden, Abraham.
And I understand your frustration, your fear for the future. But giving up on democracy is precisely what this oligarchy wants us to do. Withdraw from the arena if you must. You've done your part and earned your rest. But please keep the faith!
Thank you so much for sharing your story Catherine. I hope you tell it often and to as many young people as possible.
At the time when I was learning about the Holocaust, I was still a faithful but already questioning Catholic. And I asked the priest in confession two WHY questions about God: Why does he allow such things to happen? and, If the earth is truly a speck in the universe as I was learning in science classes, Why would God care at all what happens here? ("The Lord acts in mysterious ways." and "You must have faith in God's love for us.") These replies were so disappointing that I felt I was being simply dismissed rather than engaged and answered. Now I realize that there was nothing else he could say. You either believe in such a god or you don't. If you do, no explanation will suffice.
I also grew up in a Catholic, working class neighborhood with a scattering of Jewish families. I think we all went through a metamorphosis that shattered our early, pollyannish view of the world. It is painful that so many cannot see the dangers posed by the American driftvtoward authoritarianism. Wonderful post.
Thank you, Tom. I've come to realize how important it is for us to share what we learned as the first post-Holocaust generation with youngest of our descendants. We can only ask that they "Never Forget!" if we tell them what to remember.
Jerry, thanks for your personal response to one of the greatest tragedies of human history, and a door to human society when led by evil men.
But today I watched a survivor of Auschwitz say we must never allow this to happen again.
Then, with a click of a button, on another station I am watching Trump surrogates justifying today's round-up "illegal aliens". Plus the dismantling of government institutions. Plus overriding the 14th Amendment. Plus a circle of sycophants promoting the Emperor while he moves America to Fascism.
I'm sure you recall that i ran a Substack newsletter for a couple years called "Neo-Fascism: A Warning." Well, clearly my warning went unheeded, and on Nov.4 we saw what someone called an "American Selfie". Madeline Albright once said that there has always been an undercurrent of fascism in American politics. Well, it ain't an undercurrent no more. It's front a centre and I have no doubt that America has said goodbye to the road of Democracy and we're headed down the road to Fascism. Trump asked today if there was anything to stop him from running again. Trump joking, say his surrogates. But in the words of historian Tim Snyder wrote "any election can be the last."
So while the world remembers the ultimate horror at Auschwitz and speakers say "never again", at the same time in America a new Fascist regime is taking hold in front of our eyes. If Hitler could speak from the grave he'd be saying "I'm baaaaack!"
Hannah Arendt survived a Gestapo prison and went on the write the definitive book on Totalitarianism, saying that the next round of Nazis will come from Madison Avenue wearing suits.
During the election a woman said she fear and detested Trump, but she had 6 kids and couldn't afford to buy groceries; that's why she voted for Trump. On Nov. 4 the majority of Americans showed that they're gullible, stupid, ignorant of history, and racist to the bone.
As John Lennon said, "the dream is over."
Goodbye America.
I'm surprised to hear this from you Abraham, and certainly never expected you to give up. Still don't.
No, Dave, I haven't given up. In fact, I'm hopeful that the mid-terms will put an end to Trump's power. I guess I was just overcome with disappointment and frustration watching Trump signing all those Exec Order during the Holocaust "never again" memorials.
But I'm reminded today that Jerry and this community will be fighting back full force to turn things around in 2026. And that ignorant racist liar is helping to undermine his own power every day.
First of all, it was not "the majority of Americans". It was a tiny majority of the 64% of eligible voters who actually cast ballots on November 4. That is, about 32% of eligible voters voted for Trump.
And while some portion of those may be racist to the bone, many are the victims of constant lies and misinformation from right wing media -- or they're just not especially engaged in political conversations. In any case, we need to move beyond name-calling and despair.
To quote Joyce Vance:
"The easiest slide into autocracy is the one where we give up. Continuing to believe in democracy is a profound act of resistance and courage in a moment like this when we are being told it no longer matters.
Don’t give up."
.
Agreed, Jerry.
Sorry to have spewed my negativity on your site.
You know that I completely understand, Roger. We've known each other long enough, and I know enough about your scholarship that I recognize the depth and source of the pain you're feeling now.
It's hard for us all. We need to keep lifting one another up from despair.
Thanks for your understanding, Jerry.
Part of the problem right now is that it's so overwhelming - it's like an avalanche of neo-fascism, non-stop executive orders, never-ending lies and scapegoating (today it's DEI responsible for a plane crash), and his surrogates - Steven Miller defending the indefensible, CNN becoming FOX-lite, "the People gave him a mandate", it's just too much.
And I don't think I'm the only one who's overwhelmed by all this.
But I'm encouraged by your courage (never saw the connection between those two words before) and perspective.
Yes, the fight must go on, and yes, "We need to keep lifting one another up from despair."
Thanks for the uplift.
Jerry, thank you so much for sharing your story. So many want to forget the past, or, worse, pretend that it did not exist. But, to truly move forward we must understand and remember the past while keeping an eye on the future. There’s poetic justice in how International Holocaust Remembrance Day and MLK Day are celebrated during the same week and both in January, a time for us to pause and remember/reflect on the past and celebrate our freedoms while also focusing on goals for the future / new year ahead.
In 1982, I visited Dachau. I cannot say I wanted to go there, only that I felt I had to. It was my first time in Germany, and I could not imagine a visit to that country without visiting such a site, obliged to bear witness to one of history’s greatest tragedies. Dachau left me numb, sickened by the evilness that took place there. Decades later, I’ve never forgotten it.
Last year, I visited Amsterdam for the first time. As in my first visit to Germany, I felt compelled to visit the Anne Frank House. It was a surreal experience. The staff person who spoke about the history of what took place there was so moving, it was as if you literally felt what life was like for the Franke family and their friends who hid there before even stepping a foot inside. One comment that she shared (that has haunted me since the 2024 election and it’s awful aftermath) was how people in Amsterdam, in the early 1930s, never thought the Nazis would arrive in Amsterdam and do what they did, that could never happen there.
More than 40 years apart, those two visits are so vivid in my memory and both shake me to my core.
If only everyone could spend time in places like that and truly learn what happened, how unimaginable evil can destroy literally everything you care about, and recognize that it can happen again, if we do not learn from our past.
As a first generation American, I grew up with most of my relatives still living in Europe — they were in awe of all that America was and all that it offered. It made me feel so very lucky to live here. Someday, I hope to feel that way again.
SAT12, seems like we'll have to endure an evil regime at least until the 2026 midterms (IF there are midterms) and then hopefully Americans will wake up to what they've done and throw these neo-fascist cowards into the dustbowl of history.
Thank you for sharing your story, SAT 12. Please keep telling it.
I still feel lucky to be living here in this moment -- not happy, but blessed to have the opportunity of helping defeat the reemergence of this horrible evil force. Stopping it in the USA is crucial to protecting the world from another Holocaust, one that would be incalculably worse than the one we remember. It's a chance to repay the debt we owe to those who fought it to their death 80 years ago.
Thank you, J.W. And we need MORE young people to learn about the Holocaust. The data is stark. 🔯 https://jewdicious.substack.com/p/people-cant-never-forget-what-they
Outstanding video, Jewdicious. What a powerful art project Robert Sutz has produced, and is still producing at age 92! Thank you so much for introducing us to your site.
https://jewdicious.substack.com/p/people-cant-never-forget-what-they