What was the Response to the Holocaust??

What did the Allies Know? Foreign correspondents commented on all anti-Jewish actions prior to WWII Details of the “final solution” began to filter out to the West in (smuggled out of Poland) American gov’t confirmed reports to Jewish leaders in Nov (although details were not complete) Ultimately…..Allies were aware of what happened

What was the Allied Response? The response was “inadequate” Only in 1944, was the War Refugee Board est. for the purpose of saving the victims Allies did issue a condemnation of Nazi actions in Dec (but the only declaration prior to 1944) No attempt to appeal to local European population (to refrain); no one held accountable U.S. did not change immigration laws

Response of Red Cross The International Red Cross did very little to aid the Jewish victims of Nazi persecution Refused to publicly protest or intervene on behalf of the Jews. Believed public protest would be detrimental to their welfare IRC did visit a “model ghetto” of Terezin. Germans agreed (9 months after request) in July 1944

Attitude of the Church Pope Pius XI neither criticized nor mentioned anti- semitism His successor Pope Pius XII maintained neutrality throughout the war even though Vatican had detailed information in Public comments focused on expression of sympathy for victims and calls for humane conduct

Other Country Responses Japan and Italy refused to participate in the “Final Solution” Japanese were relatively tolerant toward the Jews, allowing them to enter Japan during the course of the war