VIRTUAL JEWISH MUSEUM

Nazi Party pin

This is a Nazi Party membership pin. NASDAP Stands for National Socialist German Worker's Party, commonly abbreviated NAZI party. This was the party Hitler headed since 1921. It was anti-communist, anti- big business , racist and eventually profoundly antisemitic.

Swastika Symbol

The swastika sign that the Nazi party adopted was a symbol going back to antiquity & common in Eastern religions. It is a geometric figure that appeared in many harmless decorations before the war. It actually symbolized good luck. On this American token from 1932 it appears superimposed on a 6 pointed star and with a 4 leaf clover, simple good luck signs to herald the end of the depression. Ever since the Nazis, however, it is identified with hate and still appears on graffiti to this day.

Antisemitism.Blood Libel

Europe experienced a number of anti-Semitic events which aroused hysteria among the population, conditioning them to believe the worst. Among others, the blood libel of the 'Hilsner Affair' accused a young Jew of killing a woman found in the forest, for her blood. This happened at the same time as the Dreyfuss affair, fanning the flames of anti-Semitism. This graphic card shows spectators gathered around the body in the forest.

Hilsner home

Publishers lost no time in producing series of cards about these events. This rather ordinary one shows the building of HILSNER'S APARTMENT. These publicized events but also swayed popular sentiment. People were ready to believe the worst about the Jews around them.

Korn Jude.Jews Control the Food

The medal on the right from 1923 portrays an antisemitic figure as a grain manipulator, profiting from food shortages. He sits on a bundle of wheat. This theme first appeared on a German medal in 1694, shown left, where a well-fed Jew carries a sack of grain & the devil pokes a hole in it. That year, heavy rains & a grasshopper plague hurt the crops & starving people blamed Jews. Underneath him is written 'Famine Time'.

Korn Jude reverse

The newer medal reads: "Whether Jew or Christian, the Userer (speculator) is a scoundrel. In bad times one man is the devil of the other". On the older one: "He that withholds grain, the people shall curse him But blessing upon him that sells it." Proverbs 11.

Nazi Credo

This pin displays the Nazi credo: 'Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Fuhrer', meaning One people One empire One leader. In it are the undertones of racism, dominance and absolute control which came to characterize Nazi government. The face is of Adolph Hitler Y"S. the bent crosses between the phrases, known as a 'swastikas' are an ancient symbol that became identified with the Nazi party.

Chancellor Adolf Hitler.YS.

This card was distributed by the cigarette company Kosmos, in Dresden, Germany. It pictures Hitler marching with other dignitaries in October 1933. Chancellor is the head of the government. Not long after he became dictator of the country and began to introduce anti-Semitic laws and propaganda.

Anti-Semitic clubs

In the 1870's, anti-Semitic groups sprang up in Germany and Austria 'to fight Jewish influence on society'. The groups didn't last long but the effects of their propaganda did. These bills from the 1920's were given as donation receipts. The front pictures Jewish newspapers going up in flames. Reverse comments include "Germans ... recognize the looming danger of the Jews and are willing to battle them...are joining the Union of Anti-Semites Defense club. Read and spread the Aryan press."

Back.a

Back.b

Back.c

Antisemitic propaganda items

Stickers, labels and pins kept pointing a finger at Jews: 'Jews are to blame for our calamity', 'Jews get out' (in German French and Dutch),'The housing shortage is the fault of the Jews', 'If you don't want to become slaves, chase the Jew off German soil', 'Guard the German Fatherland - Redeem it from the hand of the Jew', 'National freedom or Jewish dictatorship'. The stickers were also used on envelopes in the mail.

Money as propaganda

What better way to get a message to the average person than to write it on the money they handle everyday! Currency was overprinted with anti-semitic messages that saw wide circulation. This little note, for 20 Heller, is from Austria in 1919. It was overstamped "Jews Get Out".

Money as propaganda Austria reverse

The back of the Austrian note shows us this was a local issue printed during WW I when there was a shortage of small change. These were issued by banks and institutions to serve in place of coins. The notes are called 'Notgeld' meaning 'emergency money'.

Money as Propaganda 1922

This 'notgeld' was issued by the Austria-Hungarian bank. The backs were blank. Perfect for adding a message: "The money is all in the JEWBANK the dirt (=worthless paper money) remains in your hands".

Money as propaganda front 1922

Front of the small change note.

Money as Propaganda - 1922 Munich

This propaganda overstamp plays on German fears of Communism. Karl Radeck was a Jewish supporter of Lenin in the Russian revolution of 1917. He was sent to Germany to promote Communism there. "Soviet Jew Radeck, railroad robber, worker-murderer, greatest capitalist in Russia. Worker - Should this be your leader? Countrymen shall become National Socialists (=Nazis!)."

Radeck overprint.Reverse

Money as Porpagands 1922 M0053b.jpg

Due to devaluation, this 1000 mark note was more useful as propaganda. The overstamp also says: "Read the newspaper 'Beobachter' (Observer) in Munich'.

Propaganda on money

Another propaganda overstamp on a similar banknote. The swastika glows like the sun around which we read 'Hitler' and 'NationalSocialism'. Above, it says 'Surprise', shocking the obviously Jewish caricature. Underneath, "Come to Hitler, become a Nazi"

Money as Propaganda 1923 Berlin

Economic antisemitism: The overprinting means: " The gold, silver and bacon the Jew has taken away from us and left us with this dirt (=worthless money). How long would you like the International Jewish Conspiracy to take away our gold? Come to Hitler. Become NationalSocialists (=Nazis)."

Money as Propaganda 1923 Berlin

This note is for 20 thousand Marks, but due to inflation, couldn't buy much. At some point it was used for propaganda.

Porpaganda Novelty Money. Sternberg

Once token paper money started to circulate, it became a novelty. Soon all kinds of words and images appeared, making these notes collectible, even if they couldn't buy anything. This set is from Sternburg, 1922. The town image looks quaint. The story on the back is horrific.

Propanda Novelty Money Sternberg A

The designs are copies of medieval woodcuts from 1492. The first scene is imaginary: A renegade priest sells a piece of religious wafer, called the Host, to Jews. This wafer is used in Catholic rituals and represents the body of Jesus.

Propaganda Novelty Money Sternberg B

The second scene, also imaginary, pictures the Jews stabbing the wafer with knives, as if they are re-creating the killing of Jesus. Notice that the wafer is pictured as bleeding. This 'crime' was called 'Host desecration'.

Propaganda Novelty Money Sternburg C

This scene shows the real consequences of this Christian paranoia. The caption tells it:: The fiery death of the host-desecrators of Sternberg.

Propoganda Novelty Money Beverungen

An obviously Jewish peddler attempts to sell a pot to a German woman. "...He brought along pots in every size and shape. Also for the night (a chamber pot). Disgusted, the woman called 'Go Away, this is too large for the purpose'. 'No, said Dovid, it is just right - in the winter the nights are longer'.

Propaganda Novelty Money Beverungen

Social antisemitism: Notice that the Jew is portrayed as dark, hook-nosed, bearded, and sinister, with old fashioned clothes and huge hands. The contrast with the modern German, and the ridiculous rhymes, contribute to the feeling that this person is not a member of German society.

Political propaganda.Marxism dies

Political antisemitism: Handbills like this promoted political party agendas. This one says: "For national freedom and social justice Marxism dies so that Socialism can live Vote National Socialist" (the Nazi party). Notice that the hammer shatters the 5 pointed star, representing Communism. ON the star is a SIX-pointed star showing the Jewish character of Communism.

political Propaganda revers

The back of the handbill shows which number to vote for.

Jews Vote for Hitler

The Association of German National Jews was a society devoted to assimilation and Germanization of Jews. They especially opposed Zionists and Eastern European immigrants. Needless to say, this did not save them from their fate. "German comrades of Jewish descent...we are connected through ... belonging to the German people. Vote, not for the benefit of the Jews but for the German future!"

Religious Antisemitism.The Sturmer

Religious antisemitism: The front page of this paper reprints an anti-semitic image from the Middle Ages - Jews killing a Christian child to use the blood in Matzah-baking. The caption reads RITUAL MURDER. This paper, 'The Striker', was published by Jules Streicher from 1929 - 1945, promoting antisemitism through lies, stereotypes and superstitions, World War II was portrayed as World Jewry's ritual murder of all humanity.

Propaganda - The Jewish Problem

Instead of a stamp, this letter bears a propaganda label. We see a dark, ugly and by now stereotypical 'Jewish' face inside a star of David. Underneath "Without solving the Jewish problem, There is no solving the human question". By the time this was sent, in January 1945, the Nazis had largely 'solved' the problem of removing Jews from society by concentration, ghettoization, transport and murder - all part of the 'Final Solution'. Mailed from Tautenau Czech. a sub-camp of GrossRosen camp.

The Jewish Problem label

This was circulated by the antisemitic newspaper 'Der Sturmer' and appeared on all their mail too.

The Jewish Problem.Envelope

This envelope from the "Der Sturmer" offices has the pejorative sticker printed right on the envelope! The postmark reads 'Nurnberg' and includes a slogan: "The city of the Reich party days".

Judenrein - Jew-Free

The ideal world for Nazis was one free of Jews. In some areas, this could be accomplished by barring Jews from entry. Borkum was a resort on the North Sea coast. This souvenir postcard sold there says: 'Regards from Borkum'. It pictures Germans drinking and celebrating inside while out on the street a large-nosed family is denied admission. Below is the Borkum song which reads in part "those that come with crooked noses can not enjoy our beach...Borkum you remain Jew Clean."

Judenrein. Jew Free resort.1922

Norderney was a North Sea beach resort that Jews particularly frequented. (The Borkum song says in 2 places: 'Go back to Norderney'. This note served as an advertisement and discount coupon for staying at Hoffman's Hotel Falk in Norderney - an obviously Jewish hotel. But that soon changed. Notice the Jewish stars in the design.

Norderney note.back

Jew Free at the North Sea

This sticker shows a beach scene and proclaims ominously "North Sea resort Norderney is free of Jews." This term was used for a town or region after the entire Jewish population had been deported. (For example, it was on 19 May 1943 that the German government declared Berlin to be 'Judenfrei').

Jew-Free.an old goal

Lest one think that this was a new trend, see this postcard. It was mailed at Zurich Switzerland to Uehlinghen in southern Germany. The graphic shows the Kolner Hof hotel kicking out an obviously Jewish man. The sign proudly advertises: 'The Only Jew-Free Hotel in Frankfurt'. Significantly, the message and postmark are dated 1899 - Hitler was only 10 years old. Available in Switzerland although referring to Germany.

Konversionkasse certificate

In the early 1930's, the German government blocked Deutschmarks from leaving the country. A special method was established for paying foreign debts. Money would be paid into a 'conversion fund'. Amounts were then paid out to debtors with these Konversionkasse certificates. German Jews emigrating to Palestine forfeited their German securities and received these notes. They were spent quickly, often at a 50% or higher discount from face value.

Knoversionkasse certificate.back

Emigrating Jews thus lost much of their wealth to the German government. The notes were issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Reichsmarks.

The Eternal Jew Exhibit

A traveling exhibition pointing out the 'evil effects' of Jews on German society circulated in 1937 -38, entitled "Der Ewige Jude" (The Eternal Jew). This German version of the Wandering Jew refers to a figure in Christian legend who was a sinner, a revolter against the Church, and the common order - and a target for modern antisemitism. Gigantic posters and souvenir mail cancellations advertised the exhibit.

Eternal Jew Postcard.Munich

The giant poster was reproduced on postcards which were sold at the exhibit and served as a form of advertising and propaganda. This card is from the Munich exhibit. The Jew appears oppressive, communist, capitalist, ugly, and thoroughly un-modern to the German public.

Eternal Jew Cancellation.Munich

Even the cancellation on the stamp advertised the exhibit.

Eternal Jew Postcard.Vienna

This souvenir card was sold at the Vienna exhibit. Look at the features, the oversized hands,, the style of the lettering.

Eternal Jew Cancellation.Vienna

In Vienna, too, the cancellation on the card advertised the exhibit.

Propaganda dollar

Money, or imitation money. makes a great vehicle for propaganda since it attracts attention and tends to be picked up and looked at. And American dollars were THE symbol of money. This leaflet imitates a dollar bill. Once you pick it up you see that it is really a piece of propaganda.

Propaganda Dollar unfolded

The front and back open up to reveal the message.

Propaganda Dollar Message A

"This money is very Jewish!" Prof? The signer (Morgenthau), the stars on the back, the Eye of G-d, the triangle (?), the number 13 numerous times (?) etc. etc. Every superstition brought to mind.

Propaganda Dollar message

"This dollar paid for the Jewish War." "Money has no smell but the Jew has one!"

Irene Harand fights antisemitism

Irene Harand was a Christian living in Austria, who vigorously opposed antisemitism. She published a response to Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' and spread her ideas in a weekly newspaper from 1933 - 1938. Its slogan was 'I am fighting antisemitism because it defiles Christianity'. Her organization was called "World Organization Against Racial Hatred and Human Distress". She escaped Hitler and settled in the USA. Fund raising labels reminded the world of Jewish contributions to world culture.

Harand Labels PRO-Jewish

These labels were produced by Harand to remind people of the many contributions to society made by Jews, especially Jews of Germany and Austria. The one on the bottom left says in German: "The Harand movement responds to the Munich exhibit 'The Eternal Jew'". These were sold/distributed in sheets.

harand pro-Jewish label

More labels honoring Jewish contributions to society. The top left label lists the considerable contribution of loyal German Jewry to the World War One war effort: 96,000 drafted, 12,000 fallen in battle, 35,000 decorated for valor. Others show world-famous Jews in the arts, industry, and philosophy.

Anti-Masonic = Antisemitic labels

Masonic organizations were social in nature but secretive, arousing suspicion. Masons, together with Jews, were accused of undermining society, starting in the 1860's. 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion' cemented this connection. Hitler adopted this myth and held several exhibits, like this one in October 1941. The words on these labels say 'anti-masonic' but the Jewish star appears in every one of them.

AntiMasonic + Antisemitic Closeup

The Great Hand of (G-d?, the people?, the leaders?) comes from above to choke the snake that threatens society. All along the snakes back are 'Jewish' stars. And he slithers over the compass and square which are Masonic symbols.

'Jews Manipulate the World'

This handbill from the 1940's repeats the propaganda and paranoia of Jewish world manipulation. "The hidden powers which provoked ...WWI were Jews...Jews were the carriers of Bolshevik ideas which almost destroyed Europe...they were war mongers...a circle of Jews drove America into the war...The manipulators are all Jews! Several prominent American and European Jews are pictured.

U.S. Fascist Antisemitic activity

Father Charles Coughlin (1891 – 1979) was a Roman Catholic priest near Detroit. He used his radio program during the 1930s to attack Jewish bankers and broadcast antisemitic commentary. He formed the National Union for Social Justice. He supported the fascist policies of Adolf Hitler. Here we see a pin worn at a rally for him. The Jewish People’s Committee acted to refute Father Coughlin’s accusations. Here is a fund-raising receipt for a donation supporting them.

Setting the Stage.Swastika.JPG

American Fascist Ant-Semitic Activit

Nazis encouraged American support for Hitler. Many German-American complied. Separately, Father Charles Coughlin was a Roman Catholic priest whose radio show broadcast anti-semitic commentary and pro-fascist policies. He formed the National Union for Social Justice. Here is a pin from his rallies. The Jewish People's committee acted to refute his accusations. Here is their fund-raising receipt.