What Was Kristallnacht in the Holocaust?

On November 9th and 10th, 1938, Nazi German leaders organized a series of violent, nationwide attacks against Jewish communities. This event, later called the "Night of Broken Glass," or Kristallnacht, marked a terrifying escalation in violence against Jews. This video explores what happened during Kristallnacht, how some ordinary Germans participated in the riots, and the lasting impact of the violence and destruction. After the attacks, many Jews decided they had no choice but to flee Nazi Germany for their own safety.

Learn More

• Article: Kristallnacht

• Article: Pogroms

• Article: The "Night of Broken Glass"

• Podcast: Gerald Liebenau: Memories of Kristallnacht

• Podcast: Rabbi Jacob G. Wiener: Arrest on Kristallnacht