The Jehovah's Witnesses and the Nazis: Persecution, Deportation, and Murder, 1933-1945

Michael Berenbaum (former President and CEO of the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, and a director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum) wrote in his Introduction to this 1999 book, "Jehovah's Witnesses were isolated and harangued from 1933 on... They refused to enlist in the army, to undertake air raid drills, and to stop meeting or proselytizing. 'Heil Hitler' never passed their lips... Five thousand Witnesses were sent to concentration camps where they alone were 'voluntary prisoners.' The moment they recanted their views, they could be freed... Such behavior is astounding, to be admired for its fidelity to commitment, even where one disagrees with such a tradition. It is because of the integrity of the Witnesses' behavior, their fidelity to their own tradition and belief, that they have a special place in my heart." Here are some quotations from the book: "Who were these so-called undesirables? The first Germans interned in the camps were Communists, Social Democrats, labor leaders, and the Jehovah's Witnesses." (Pg. 4) "It should be noted that the Witnesses were and are in conflict with the authorities in many countries. In the United States, for example, they were not recognized as conscientious objectors because they refused the use of force utterly: They were awaiting the battle of Armageddon, the final combat when Satan would be vanquished." (Pg. 47) "I was told that I COULD sign the statement first because it didn't mention the Jehovah's Witnesses but only the Bible Students, and then because it wasn't wrong to fool the enemy in order to go free and to better serve Jehovah on the outside." (Pg. 61) "Germany invaded Denmark and Norway on April 9, 1940... Norway's 462 members continued their activities clandestinely without too much interference or ill treatment." (Pg. 123) "Even though I didn't share their religious beliefs, with the benefit of time I can only have a certain sense of respect for these men... Even Rudolf Hoss's testimony attested to the courage of these inmates. How many prisoners placed before the choice of assured death would have shown the same courage?" (Pg. 219)

The author can not and will not understand Jehovah Witnesses. Although it give a lot of cronological facts of events it digs too deep in the pain and not how the victims look upon their trials but how others considered why the victims accepted their trials and beared in a dignify way. Besides it put JW's point of view pararel to communists pointeing only difference is Stanlin or Jehovah. Indeed that remark is offensive. Some interviewed persons such as Margaret (Neumann??..because she was not married to Neumann) was somebody although impressed by their actitude was still hard critical upon JW's since heself would bend her own standards upon her convenience. Upon interviewing Gertrud Potzinger, it higlight the fact that she was a maid to Nazi's. Family but reality that is called slavery, it was against Gertrude's will and without payment, even separating her or her family and fellow believers. Gertrude's attitude upon her odeal is not even mentioned although in video interview is clearly seen how she never allowed this ordeal to robbed her from her joice.

As one of Jehovah Witness I was so moved and touched by this book. I have a keen interest in history and the holocaust. I have several books and accounts of people who had lived thru this atrocity. However, nothing has given such insight to the account of the Jehovah's Witnesses like this book. Not many are aware that other groups and minorities were hunted for as like the Jews. Exterminated and sent to death camps. This book has shed light on the reasons, details and shocking treatment that was faced by these people who's only crime was the love and devotion to there God Jehovah and love of there brotherhood. Reading this book has given me a profound feeling of pride and appreciation for my fellow brothers and sisters in my faith. This is my spiritual heritage. By no means is this just a book for Jehovah's Witnesses, it's a book for all those who have an interest in the holocaust. No matter what religion or person that suffered the holocaust they all had one thing in common, an absolute tragic and disgusting persecution of humanity.

This book is one of the most concisely detailed description of how an evil dictator's idealism ( the Nazi regime) becomes a government and law of the land. I find it truly remarkable that common folk aloud this dictatorship to rise in power to the point it did. I suppose considering the era this happened, during the great depression, is what has much to do with the answer. Also people of that time probably couldn't conceive of such heinous violence. It is truly amazing that one small group of religiously devout people stood up against the Nazis ideals and spoke out so publicly, even when they knew the consequences of such actions! It begs the question, why did they choose such a course? Encouring the wrath of Hitler himself could not stop them from speaking out! Wow! This small group known as Jehovah's Witnesses now has grown to become a big group, huge group, numbering in the millions. Wow, again! What's the big deal? What's their secret?!

It is rewarding to read a book that has attempted to present the facts as accurately as possible, free from personal interpretation of events that they are not personally familiar with. I have read various accounts of the experiences of Jehovah's Witnesses in the Holocaust, as well as, in other lands. More often than not, the author has a personal opinion which obscures the reality. I appreciate the authors' attempt to put this book into the words of the victims.

good book, very wordy, hard to get through, but good

This is one of the best book I ever receive, I love it. Thanks for providing me the oportunits of reading it.

Very happy with service and item

Very impressed with this collection of work. The author tried very hard to stick close to the original stories told by actual witnesses. Very very inspiring!! Must read!

Sad to read but important.

Michael Berenbaum (former President and CEO of the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, and a director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum) wrote in his Introduction to this 1999 book, "Jehovah's Witnesses were isolated and harangued from 1933 on... They refused to enlist in the army, to undertake air raid drills, and to stop meeting or proselytizing. 'Heil Hitler' never passed their lips... Five thousand Witnesses were sent to concentration camps where they alone were 'voluntary prisoners.' The moment they recanted their views, they could be freed... Such behavior is astounding, to be admired for its fidelity to commitment, even where one disagrees with such a tradition. It is because of the integrity of the Witnesses' behavior, their fidelity to their own tradition and belief, that they have a special place in my heart." Here are some quotations from the book: "Who were these so-called undesirables? The first Germans interned in the camps were Communists, Social Democrats, labor leaders, and the Jehovah's Witnesses." (Pg. 4) "It should be noted that the Witnesses were and are in conflict with the authorities in many countries. In the United States, for example, they were not recognized as conscientious objectors because they refused the use of force utterly: They were awaiting the battle of Armageddon, the final combat when Satan would be vanquished." (Pg. 47) "I was told that I COULD sign the statement first because it didn't mention the Jehovah's Witnesses but only the Bible Students, and then because it wasn't wrong to fool the enemy in order to go free and to better serve Jehovah on the outside." (Pg. 61) "Germany invaded Denmark and Norway on April 9, 1940... Norway's 462 members continued their activities clandestinely without too much interference or ill treatment." (Pg. 123) "Even though I didn't share their religious beliefs, with the benefit of time I can only have a certain sense of respect for these men... Even Rudolf Hoss's testimony attested to the courage of these inmates. How many prisoners placed before the choice of assured death would have shown the same courage?" (Pg. 219)

The author can not and will not understand Jehovah Witnesses. Although it give a lot of cronological facts of events it digs too deep in the pain and not how the victims look upon their trials but how others considered why the victims accepted their trials and beared in a dignify way. Besides it put JW's point of view pararel to communists pointeing only difference is Stanlin or Jehovah. Indeed that remark is offensive. Some interviewed persons such as Margaret (Neumann??..because she was not married to Neumann) was somebody although impressed by their actitude was still hard critical upon JW's since heself would bend her own standards upon her convenience. Upon interviewing Gertrud Potzinger, it higlight the fact that she was a maid to Nazi's. Family but reality that is called slavery, it was against Gertrude's will and without payment, even separating her or her family and fellow believers. Gertrude's attitude upon her odeal is not even mentioned although in video interview is clearly seen how she never allowed this ordeal to robbed her from her joice.

As one of Jehovah Witness I was so moved and touched by this book. I have a keen interest in history and the holocaust. I have several books and accounts of people who had lived thru this atrocity. However, nothing has given such insight to the account of the Jehovah's Witnesses like this book. Not many are aware that other groups and minorities were hunted for as like the Jews. Exterminated and sent to death camps. This book has shed light on the reasons, details and shocking treatment that was faced by these people who's only crime was the love and devotion to there God Jehovah and love of there brotherhood. Reading this book has given me a profound feeling of pride and appreciation for my fellow brothers and sisters in my faith. This is my spiritual heritage. By no means is this just a book for Jehovah's Witnesses, it's a book for all those who have an interest in the holocaust. No matter what religion or person that suffered the holocaust they all had one thing in common, an absolute tragic and disgusting persecution of humanity.

This book is one of the most concisely detailed description of how an evil dictator's idealism ( the Nazi regime) becomes a government and law of the land. I find it truly remarkable that common folk aloud this dictatorship to rise in power to the point it did. I suppose considering the era this happened, during the great depression, is what has much to do with the answer. Also people of that time probably couldn't conceive of such heinous violence. It is truly amazing that one small group of religiously devout people stood up against the Nazis ideals and spoke out so publicly, even when they knew the consequences of such actions! It begs the question, why did they choose such a course? Encouring the wrath of Hitler himself could not stop them from speaking out! Wow! This small group known as Jehovah's Witnesses now has grown to become a big group, huge group, numbering in the millions. Wow, again! What's the big deal? What's their secret?!

It is rewarding to read a book that has attempted to present the facts as accurately as possible, free from personal interpretation of events that they are not personally familiar with. I have read various accounts of the experiences of Jehovah's Witnesses in the Holocaust, as well as, in other lands. More often than not, the author has a personal opinion which obscures the reality. I appreciate the authors' attempt to put this book into the words of the victims.

good book, very wordy, hard to get through, but good

This is one of the best book I ever receive, I love it. Thanks for providing me the oportunits of reading it.

Very happy with service and item

Very impressed with this collection of work. The author tried very hard to stick close to the original stories told by actual witnesses. Very very inspiring!! Must read!

Sad to read but important.

" The truth will set you free " - well a book some 70 or 80 years after the event - Finally ! Jehovah's Witnesses are the finest example of Loyal Faithful Followers of the True God The Book is a good read - perhaps it will help to change peoples opinion of this excellent group of true worshipers of God

I like it because it tells what the Jehovah's Witnesses went through during the Nazi times. Jews weren't the only ones who were persecuted.

A lot of dates which for me are difficult to follow but good for accuracy.

A very interesting boek about a forgotten group

Beautiful story. "Volunteer prisoners" what an unusual story of courage. What prisoner in a concentration camp would not wish for freedom and escape from harms way? Reading of these individuals reminded my of bible characters like Daniel and his 3 camponions in Babylonian captivity and others in the holy writings. Where were the other Christian denominations during this time, sure I've heard of individuals, conscientious objectors, but where were the mainstream churches. If they were not an enemy of Hitler, were they not his collaborators? Surely presssure from all religious groups could have swayed the hatred of the world? Well done Bible Students or Jehovah's Witnesses, as a group your deeds are more powerful than words.

It is important that people realize the many groups that suffered during that time. This is why the following is so important: The Jehovah's Witnesses in the U.S. changed their name in 1931. However, in Germany those Bible students affiliated with the Watchtower Society officially changed their in the 1950s. In the early 1920s there were around six thousand in Germany (and perhaps Switzerland) cooperating outside the IBSA (WT), which was typical in a few other populous countries in Europe, such as England. By the time Hitler grabbed power, the number was probably significantly larger. Two ecclesias in what was later East Germany had each reached 400 (one was Leipzig). There were no distinctions between the TWO GROUPS of Bible Students. Thus the two groups were known as simply "Bible Students." During the Hitler Era, Bible Students and Jehovah's Witnesses were both lumped together as "Bibelforscher" in Bergen-Belsen and other concentration camps. At Auschwitz they were identified by wearing a violet patch. I don't know after World War II how many were in East Germany, but there had at one time been 400 in Leipzig. (For a few years they were able to publish 'Weinberg.') The Bible Students were persecuted because of their pro-Israel stand, the Jehovah's Witnesses for their anti-Hitler stand. Both groups wore the Purple Triangle. In fact at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, some of the "Jehovah's Witnesses" pictured are actually Bible Students, NOT affiliated with the Watchtower. Today there remain a number of Bible Students who are descendants of those WWII Bible students, who are not affiliated with the Watchtower in any way. In other words, not all Bible students became "Jehovah's Witnesses". And a number of those individuals suffered or died in the concentration camps too.

A book that was ignored for so long by publishers that highlights the faith and corage of this group in the face of overwhelming opposition, which is still going on today in countries like Russia.

Heartbreaking,hard to read but excellent, Whether or not your a witness.

Very pleased Avery accurate and good read

This is a book about a group who resisted the Nazis but whose courage and suffering in and outside the camps are rarely recognised. The individual stories are very illuminating and remind us of the many good and decent people who earned the respect of other inmates, and some of the Nazis. However, there are gaps and errors. I know something about the Dutch Witnesses and their activities in Holland barely get a mention. Moreover, the authors describe Amersfoort and Westerbork as concentration camps. To my knowledge, there was only one concentration camp on Dutch soil: Vught. I would have liked to read about the pre-war efforts to warn the rest of the population of the horrors in Germany, (unlike so many, they were not in denial), and I missed interesting details about their strategies within camps (e.g. they sang hymns when they arrived to alert other witnesses to their presence). These people were not just devout, they were clever. I should also have liked to know if they suffered post traumatic stress to the same extent as the other groups. There is a Dutch book which covers some of this, but it's not available in English. In short, an iteresting book, but not as comprehensive as I would have liked.

Shows that the witnesses went through a difficult time as christians for there faith and still do in many countrys.They have to be admired.