The Night of Broken Glass.

„We can do with the Jews what we want. The world will not act.”

Those were the words of Adolf Hitler on November 15, 1938 — just six days after Kristallnacht — the Night of Broken Glass. At that time, Hitler was right. The world did nothing to stop further violence against Jews in Germany and Austria, and we know all too well the result of the world’s inaction.

Seventy-five years ago, during two days of terror, hundreds of Jews were killed, 30,000 were arrested and sent off to concentration camps, hundreds of synagogues and 7,500 Jewish businesses and homes were destroyed.

Today, we are seeing a resurgence of anti-Semitism and neo-Nazism in Europe. Threats to Jewish customs and traditions such as shechita (kosher slaughter), circumcision, and acts of vandalism against synagogues, Jewish cemetaries, schools, and Holocaust memorials are becoming all too common.

Kristallnacht taught us that we must remain vigilant and not permit even the smallest seed of anti-Semitism to take root. History taught us what can happen if we turn away. It’s a lesson we must never forget.

Kristallnacht serves as a poignant reminder of why the work of the World Jewish Congress is so important. No one can do with the Jews what they want. This time, we will act!

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht, please consider making a gift to the World Jewish Congress, American Section, which supports the vital efforts of the World Jewish Congress.