The Purim holiday which the Jews are celebrating today is of particular significance at this time, when the Nazis are making it clear, as they did again only last week, that they don’t want any Jews in Germany.
Like the Persian minister Haman 2,500 years ago, Hitler— the Haman of modern times—is trying his best to plot not only against the Jews of Germany but against Jewry as a whole. The anti-Semitic propaganda which is being subsidized from Berlin in different countries including the United States, is nothing but a plot which Hitler has undertaken against the Jews of the world, with the intention of annihilating them.
HISTORY REPEATED
But history repeats itself. Just as Haman in the long run suffered a complete defeat, this very same end will probably be faced also by Hitler. The world is beginning to realize how dangerous Hitlerism is becoming for humanity. And if any special proof were necessary, the revival of the German army in defense of the Versailles treaty constitute this proof.
The celebration of Purim coincides this year also with the celebration of the eight hundredth birthday of the Jewish philosopher Maimonides who was born in Spain. Like Germany today, Spain was under a Jewish boycott because of the Spanish Inquisition. This boycott has never been officially rescinded. Officially it is still valid even today.
LESSONS FOR NAZILAND
The attitude of Spain towards the Jews has changed very much in the years since the Inquisition, and world Jewry today entertains the friendliest feelings towards the Spanish nation. The elaborate program which the Spanish government has arranged for the Maimonides celebration throughout Spain is also the best proof that the Spanish people of today are far from approving of the anti-Jewish persecutions which took place in ancient Spain.
The Nazi leaders in Germany, if only they cared to learn a lesson from history, would realize the mistake which they are making in their efforts to annihilate the Jews. The consequences suffered by Haman in Persia and the political and economic degradation suffered by Spain could serve the Nazis as the best food for a second thought.
CASES WORTH STUDYING
Ancient Persia and ancient Spain were in their times, as flourishing countries as Germany is today. They also claimed to be as cultural as Germany claims to be now. Their economic and cultural role in the world, however, changed from the moment their rulers engaged in anti-Jewish persecutions. They, more than the Jewish people, were the sufferers in the long run.
On the occasion of Purim these facts will perhaps be taken into consideration by those in Germany who ought to know them. History, after all, repeats itself. That Hitler will not succeed in annihilating the Jews is something which is certain, but whether Nazi Germany will remain the same as it is now is something that can very definitely be questioned. The case of Haman and of Spain prove it best.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
