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A Divided America Responds to Nazi Persecution

Virtual Event
Members of the pro-Nazi German American Bund during a march from nearby Camp Siegfried, Yaphank, Long Island, New York. The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Members of the pro-Nazi German American Bund during a march from nearby Camp Siegfried, Yaphank, Long Island, New York. The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Reports out of Germany in the late 1930s and early 1940s showed that life was increasingly dangerous for Jews. Some Americans urged the US government to offer refuge to those attempting to flee, but most did not want to open the doors. In 1939, 20,000 Americans packed Madison Square Garden—the stage adorned with swastikas and American flags—for a pro-Nazi rally. Outside, 100,000 Americans protested the event.

Watch live on Facebook, September 21 at 9:30 a.m. ET, to learn how our divided nation responded to Nazi persecution in Europe.

Guest
Ron Coleman, Chief, Library, Rubenstein Institute, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Host
Dr. Edna Friedberg, Historian, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Watch live at facebook.com/holocaustmuseum. You do not need a Facebook account to view our program. After the live broadcast, the recording will be available to watch on demand on the Museum’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

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