Best JLE Podcasts (2025)

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#177: The Vanished Jews of England: 1290-1650 48:12

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28m ago48:12

48:12

For centuries there were none left; The Jews had been driven out of England en-masse by Edward I...But the records tell us a different story. Henry VIII went searching for them and English literature betrays a fascination with them. From Shakespeare's controversial Shylock to dictionary & biblical definitions, the Jew continued to feature throughou…

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#176: Yishmael vs Yisrael X: Echoes of Conflict - feat. Rabbi Zev Leff & Lord David Wolfson 1:06:19

16d ago1:06:19

1:06:19

In the wake of the return of the hostages that survived, challenges abound and life cannot return to normal. Israel confronts the unknown with hope, and across the world the ripples of anti-semitism continue to echo. The UK experienced Jews being killed on Yom Kippur, New York has elected a pro-Hamas mayor, yet various Arab countries have expressed…

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What is Jewish History? 1:27

27d ago1:27

1:27

We have produced 175 episodes over the past 4 years BH.But what makes Jewish History special? And what does the future hold? This short clip will give you some insights - https://vimeo.com/1130639528 The link is: www.charityextra.com/jle/hftcBy JLE

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#175: David Friedman - The Ambassador Who Reshaped the Middle East 48:49

14d ago48:49

48:49

To watch This Podcast, click here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBpgg1wcQKw&t=2760s A wide-ranging and personal discussion with former U.S. Ambassador David Friedman, describing how his Sledgehammer of Diplomacy shattered old conventions to achieve the historic U.S. Embassy move and usher in the Abraham Accords, exploring the deeply personal ba…

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#174: Disputations II - 1263-1414 / Rav Meir Arik 100th Yarzeit 55:27

1M ago55:27

55:27

25 years after Paris the Talmud was being cross-examined again. This time the Christians intended to prove the truth of their faith from within Judaism ! In 1413, the Jews chose silence as their response but many were pressured into conversion. 100 years ago the world lost a halachic genius; Rav Arik created a generation of rabbis. His numerous stu…

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#173: Disputations I - Paris 1240 46:03

2M ago46:03

46:03

During the 13th century, Europe was controlled by a militant church, and France was ruled by Louis IX - a bitter enemy of the Jews.All copies of the Talmud were seized and four Baalei Tosfos were interrogated in public. How did Jewry recover from this calamity?Was this tragedy related to the burning of the Rambam’s writings? Chapters 00:00 Divine R…

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#172: Ramban II - The Church & Eretz Yisrael (feat. Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz) 1:03:25

2M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

In 1263 the Ramban was forced to attend a public Disputation and defend the truths of the Talmud against attacks by the Dominicans, who were led by an apostate Jew. The Ramban would be exiled from Spain as a result and settle in Eretz Yisrael where he described with both pride and pain of the state of the Jewish community. Using his medical knowled…

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#171: Ramban I - The Early Conflicts (1194-1270) 1:10:19

2M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

By the 13th century, Spain was becoming a more uncomfortable place for Jews, partly due to communal structure. Ramban will engage in dampening the flames of controversy both about the Rambam and regarding power and authority. But he will face strong personal attacks in the process. The Ramban was also a prolific author of sefarim. They range from H…

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#170: Holocaust Shadows IV - Survivors, Liberators & Rescuers 1:02:39

4M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Many Jews were reluctant first-hand witnesses to Nazi cruelty and suffering. For many Hungarian survivors, often deliberately misled about the truth of Auschwitz's existence, betrayal only added to their pain. Risa Shayowitz - aged a young 95 years old - relays that tragedy, even as she looks only to move forward.An American chaplain in the US Army…

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#169: Holocaust Shadows III - The Survivor 57:54

4M ago57:54

57:54

We speak of 'Holocaust Survivors' without understanding what they survived, without knowing the trauma and guilt they carried. A young 16-year-old girl (now 97 years old) was taken through the cruelty of Auschwitz - and asked by Mengele to decide the fate of her own mother. How did she find the strength of mind? How did she become a beacon to other…

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#168: Holocaust Shadows II - The Forgeries 43:03

4M ago43:03

43:03

Despite being a Western country, Holland almost equalled the East in its destructiveness during the Holocaust.2 non-Jews created their own narrative by bypassing the system. One took great risks, the other received great reward. Their unusual stories, extend forgery into new territory.And a mention of Mein Kampf - one hundred years later. Chapters …

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#167: Holocaust Shadows I: The Forger 50:55

4M ago50:55

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Hidden away in a tiny attic in Paris, a Jew created freedom for thousands by forging Identity cards, ration books and travel passes.Hunted by Nazis, his genius and dedication came with enormous risk. And his experiences left him with a sense of guilt that would never leave him. Email [email protected] for the Prague trip... Chapters 00:00 Trappe…

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#166: Jerusalem III : 1099-1568 1:03:47

4M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

In the Medieval period, Jerusalem was repeatedly fought over and at times only 2 Jews lived there. Yet there were always those who braved making Aliya including Ramban, Bartenura and Rav Yechiel of Paris - all recording accounts of their journey. But who were the Mamluks? Where is the Holy Toothpick? And who built the Sultan's Pool? To book a place…

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#165: Jerusalem II: 638-1098 48:23

5M ago48:23

48:23

How do we relate to the most recent events in the Middle-East? In 638 the Moslems transformed the city; but what was their motivation? What created the divisions of Jewish observance in the 10th century? Why was the Golden Gate sealed off? How did the Christian East-West Schism of 1054 affect Jewish lives in Jerusalem? To register for the Maharal -…

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#164: Jerusalem I: 70-636CE 57:04

5M ago57:04

57:04

What does Yerushalayim represent? How does the current conflict with Iran impact upon that? Were the Jews expelled from Jerusalem after the Temple was destroyed?Why did the Romans rebuild the city? Who were the Byzantines who occupied Eretz Yisrael for 300 years? How did the Jews get permission to start rebuilding the Temple and why was it ultimate…

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#163: Oral Law II - Who is Right? Who is a Scholar? 1:14:33

5M ago1:14:33

1:14:33

The existence of an Oral Law brought about debate and argument. So why not preserve it all in the Written text alone? And how do we decide who is right? Who makes that decision? Are all Rabbis equally qualified? Can any Jew contribute to Torah? Chapters 01:51 The Importance of Oral Law 06:06 Understanding Halacha and Truth 11:50 The Role of Teacher…

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#162: Oral Law I (Torah She'Baal Peh) - Definitions 53:31

5M ago53:31

53:31

How do we classify the various sections of the Oral Law (Torah She'Baal Peh)? Is the Oral Law Rabbinic or Biblical? Why do we need an Oral Law? How was it transmitted through the generations? Why do we record all the arguments in the Talmud and not just the conclusions? Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Jewish Heritage 03:11 Understand…

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#161 - Mavericks II : Villains & Heroes 57:39

6M ago57:39

57:39

Was the 1919 Baseball series really determined by hardline gamblers? Why did a Rabbi give the eulogy at a gangster’s funeral? How did Issy Einstein become the greatest Prohibition Agent? What were the Nazis trying to achieve in America in 1939? Chapters 00:00 The Dark Side of Baseball: The 1919 World Series Fix 16:54 The Rise and Fall of Arnold Rot…

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#160 - Mavericks I: Crime in the USA 53:24

6M ago53:24

53:24

Between the wars - due mainly to Prohibition - crime flourished in America and Jews were not immune to the effects. Gangs of irreligious working class Jews, made their fortunes and met their untimely ends during the 20s & 30s. But the narrative is not without a number of surprising twists, particularly in Chicago - the home of Al Capone. And why di…

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Summer 2025 Book Review Teaser 37:17

7M ago37:17

37:17

Jennifer Hockenbery, William Rodriguez, and Matthew Best discuss books ahead of the annual Summer Book Review Issue. Find out more about the Journal of Lutheran Ethics at https://learn.elca.org/jle/By Journal of Lutheran Ethics

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#159 - Eruv II : The Controversies 56:31

6M ago56:31

56:31

In the last 150 years, few things have created disputes in Jewish communities, in the way Eruvin has.Why? What makes an Eruv so very different to Kashrus? And in hindsight can we now work out who was right? Could Yerushalayim hold the key? Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Eiruv and Jewish Heritage 02:53 The Historical Context of Eiruv in Toronto 05:4…

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#158 - Eruv I : The History 45:22

6M ago45:22

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Documents and Responsa from across the Jewish world reveal that for centuries Jews discussed, debated and disagreed over the Shabbos Eruv Walled cities, canals, telegraph poles, Kabbala, fires and powerful secular rulers all played their role and affected entire communities. And from the 19th century onwards, strong personalities would influence an…

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#157 - The Russian Empire V – Genius, Identity & Revolution 1:00:02

7M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

(To book the Provence trip with Rabbi Tatz & Rabbi Hersh - email [email protected]) Jewish leadership found itself in a crisis post-1881, affecting not only their options but their identity. In response, Rabbis turned to the international community for help, especially from non-Jewish politicians. This period was exacerbated by the publication o…

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#156 - The Russian Empire IV - Freedom, Poverty & Pogroms 56:29

8M ago56:29

56:29

1855 brought a new dawn to Russia, and was embraced by many, although poverty remained a constant. When the Czar was assassinated, all hell broke loose and the Jews were given a stark reminder of their status. By 1897 Socialism, Zionism & Emigration seemed to offer the only routes out. Chapters 00:00 The Shift in Jewish Education and Identity 01:46…

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#155 - The Russian Empire III - Fight or Flight? 53:18

8M ago53:18

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Given the extreme circumstances, orders went out to remove informers using all available means; which led to arrests, interrogations and harsh sentences. Meanwhile in 1844, the government issued a new decree forbidding traditional Jewish clothing and head coverings, with dire consequences. Would Sir Moses Montefiore’s visit alleviate any of these d…

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#154 - The Russian Empire II – Persecution, Heroism & Informers 57:23

8M ago57:23

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Czar Nicholas hated Jews and Judaism in equal measure. He initiated 600 decrees against them over a 30 year period, and destroyed community life in Russia. The terror of his reign is relieved only by the faith and courage of families across the Pale of Settlement, carried out in defiance of the secret police and of Jewish informants. Chapters 00:00…

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#153 - The Russian Empire I - Origins, Conquest & Confinement 55:16

8M ago55:16

55:16

For centuries, Russia was home to the largest Jewish community in the world. But why did Jews choose to move to a country that never wanted them? Understanding this complex history is at the heart of Jewish Modern history. And was Kiev or Moscow the capital of the Empire. Chapters 00:00 Political Intrigue 11:01 The History of Russian Jewry 25:48 Ca…

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#152 - Jewish Physicians III – Ottoman Vignettes and Halachic Questions feat. Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz 56:23

9M ago56:23

56:23

In Eastern Europe quacks and soothsayers were in abundance, as were invented remedies whilst the Ottoman Empire provided refuge from Spain but came with its own risk. But do the best doctors end up in Hell according to Jewish tradition? Can one give a vaccine that also kills people? And may one smoke on Shabbos to perform better surgery? Chapters 0…

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#151 - Jewish Physicians II - China & the Middle East feat. Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz 1:03:04

10M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Why did Jewish doctors in the Middle East get involved in Politics? How should modern day doctors combine ethics and law? How many Jewish women medics were there in Europe? Who were the Chinese Jewish physicians? How do we define sanctity of Life? And should everyone own a copy of Pu Ji Fang? Chapters 02:34 Jewish Doctors in the Islamic World 09:50…

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#150 - Jewish Physicians I - European Challenges feat. Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz 1:06:14

9M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

‘My son-in-law the Doctor’ may be a cliche, but it is based on the very real narrative of thousands of Jewish physicians who practiced through the ages. What was their environment during the Middle Ages in Christian Europe? How did Jewish doctors gain their knowledge? Why did the Popes always have a Jewish physician? And how are the Rambam’s medica…

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#149 - Vienna III : Leading to Darkness 52:33

10M ago52:33

52:33

WWI was a catastrophic event for the Austrian Empire, and the Jews immediately became unwelcome residents. When the Chancellor was assassinated it seemed that time was running out. However, Vienna still played host to important people and events in the inter-war years. The Chortkover Rebbe, the founding of Daf Yomi and a Zionist Congress. And then …

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#148 - Vienna II - pre-WWI: Freud, Herzl & Rabbi Flesch 54:30

11M ago54:30

54:30

Why did Vienna produce so many revolutionary Jews? How Jewish was Freud? Was Herzl always a Zionist? Did the Beis Yakov movement actually start in Vienna rather than Krakow? Nathan Birnbaum created the term Zionism - why don’t we know more about him? What was Gustav Mahler’s epitaph on his tombstone? Chapters 03:12 Jewish Identity vs Jewish Society…

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#147 - The BBC: Biased Broadcasting Corporation - The Insiders View feat. Trevor Asserson 50:53

11M ago50:53

50:53

It has long been suspected that the BBC is anti-Israel and employs pro-Palestinian reporters and editors. But how do you prove suspicion? And how far does the betrayal go? Using objective forensic methodology and scientific analysis, a year long report was created by a team of researchers, spear-headed by Trevor Assesrson, that makes shocking readi…

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#146 - Vienna I -19th Century: Friends or Enemies? 56:48

11M ago56:48

56:48

In the 1800s Vienna was one of the world's major cities, yet does not seem to have produced religious leadership? It nevertheless underwent a metamorphosis, which left it the victim of strong prejudice.Why did it experience such phenomenal growth in numbers and how - in just 4 decades - did Vienna become the centre of Jewish culture and science. Wh…

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#145 - Chanukah, the West & the ICC Judgement 50:17

12M ago50:17

50:17

Unlike militant Islam, our enemies in the West don't want the Jews wiped out. But what they are aiming for is far more sinister. It is a battle between Sheker and Emess, that goes back to Biblical times and encompasses Politics, Art & Science.The quest for peace may seem elusive, but in certain ways, we hold the keys to changing the narrative. Summ…

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#144 - The Rothschilds III - Five Brothers 53:54

12M ago53:54

53:54

The ghetto walls were slowly coming down, but Mayer Anschel and Gutele refused to leave the Judengasse. Unusual opportunities arose for the Rothschilds when Napoleon opened a port for smuggling gold, although all was not plain sailing. The result was an international network based on Mayer Amschel's instruction, where unity and the Jewish Nation re…

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#143 - The Rothschilds II - Mayer Amschel: Founder of a Dynasty 48:01

12M ago48:01

48:01

Denmark’s bankruptcy gave Rothschild the opportunity he had been pursuing for 30 years, leaving a wake of furious Christian bankers behind him.A branch opens in London and the founder now changes to Family Rothschild, but Judaism remains uppermost. Napoleon’s invasion forces the Rothschilds underground and secrecy, diplomacy and speed become the by…

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#142 - The Rothschilds I - Mayer Amschel: Unusual Origins 49:43

12M ago49:43

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The very name conjures up images of immense wealth, of banks and private government deals. It is accompanied by numerous conspiracy theories and unlikely legends. But the beginnings of the dynasty occurred in the overcrowded and isolated confines of the uninhabitable ghetto of Frankfurt. He rose to become the wealthiest Jew in Germany whilst remain…

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#141 - Why History? 1:00

1y ago1:00

1:00

The question behind all our podcasts? What can we learn? How does it change us. Our matched funds campaign is now live. If you enjoy History for the Curious, Please sponsor our continued podcasts: www.charityextra.com/jle/podcast The link will be live all of this weekBy JLE

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#140 - The Greatest Fundraisers in History 56:54

1y ago56:54

56:54

During the 20th century, a number of individuals devoted their lives to helping the Jewish People; determined, courageous and innovative. Their fundraising efforts had an enormous impact on the Jewish world. Their stories need to be heard. Charity also raises Halachic dilemmas for donors and recipients alike. And then there is a unique opportunity …

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Unpacking Ordinary Faith in Polarized Times 44:53

1y ago44:53

44:53

Americans are more divided from one another than at any point in recent history. The divisions that we feel individually are even seen in recent research. Even faith communities are not free of sharp polarization. But that doesn’t have to be the case. In this episode, host Mattthew Best talks with Amy Carr and Christine Helmer, authors of Ordinary …

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#139 - Dayan Yechezkel Abramsky II – Clashes, Victories & Losses 55:24

1y ago55:24

55:24

His arrival to England was accompanied both by miracles and threats. Soon thereafter he was elected as the Av Beis Din in London, where he faced many battles: the non-religious lay leadership, the dangers of the Blitz during WWII and a family that was becoming fragmented. His tenacity and resilience saw him succeed and his influence on British Jewr…

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#138 - Dayan Yechezkel Abramsky I - Rosh Hashana Episode 43:32

1y ago43:32

43:32

Brought up in a village which did not have a minyan of Jews; a self-taught child genius. His life was shattered by the Russian civil war and the new anti-religious communist Soviet Union. He was hounded, arrested and eventually imprisoned in Siberia, but his faith remained untouched. His thoughts and writings on Prayer emerge through this period of…

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#137 - Medieval England II - Apostates, Criminals & Leaders 53:30

1y ago53:30

53:30

Jews paid the Crown for the privilege of getting married, divorced or converted. London ran into politics with its synagogues, Norwich became the first city for blood libels, yet the priests of Canterbury were fully supported by the Jews. Despite these difficulties, Torah scholarship and even Kabbalah flourished in England. And that’s besides the 6…

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#136 - Medieval England I - Promise, Opportunity & Betrayal 44:39

1y ago44:39

44:39

Invited to settle by William the Conqueror, when Winchester was the capital city, the 220 year history of Jews in England is seen as a narrative of money-lending and expulsion. But the real story is far more gripping. Jews settled across the Land, becoming the wealthiest in the process. Women were advisors to the royal court and an ancient Roman go…

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#135 - Understanding Halacha, History & Change: Taking Interest on a Loan (feat. Dayan Y. Posen) 1:07:40

1y ago1:07:40

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The Torah explicitly forbids lending money at interest, yet the Hetter Iska document seems to allow it.Is it legal? Should we all have one? Did the 17th century create a watershed moment? Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:26 The Historical Context of Money in Jewish History 08:11 The Role of the Vaad Arba Arotzos in Creating the Hetter Is…

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#134 - Tisha B'Av Episode - The Hideout in Slovakia 56:30

1+ y ago56:30

56:30

Rabbi Yossi Steiner spent the war years on the run - as a child - and survived through a series of miracles. He found himself alone in a ghetto, needing to take care of his 5 year old brother. He hid in a bunker for 9 months, whilst Nazis came searching with trained dogs. He crossed borders through forests and fields and spent months pretending to …

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#133 - Holocaust Identities IV - The Church, The Red Cross & Nuremberg 1:01:10

1+ y ago1:01:10

1:01:10

1945. The war is over and Germany is in chaos. But now the church has to explain its silence. And two other groups emerge. There are thousands of Jewish orphans scattered across Europe. At the same time there are thousands of Nazis on the run. Will justice prevail? Chapters 00:00 The Church's Denial and Defense 04:19 Suppression of the Draft Encycl…

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#132 - Holocaust Identities III - Hitler’s Olympics, Nation & Church 58:24

1+ y ago58:24

58:24

Berlin 1936 saw Germany win more Gold medals than any other country, while the world looked on. But at what price? How aware was the Church of Jewish persecution? What role did the ordinary German play in Hitler’s regime? And what motivated those who saved Jews? Chapters 00:00 The Berlin Olympics of 1936: Hitler's Showcase 05:04 Calls to Boycott or…

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#131 - Holocaust Identities II – Secret Soldiers Part 2 50:57

1+ y ago50:57

50:57

In 1944 X-troop were fighting in France. With heavy losses and secret identities, some of them would tragically be buried under a cross. By 1945 they had made their way to Germany, always searching for family members who may have survived, even if this required driving across no-man’s land into enemy territory. When the war ends, they begin a new m…