Primary sources Holocaust.docx - 1 2 3 4 5 Title My Life...

1. Title: My Life Before and After Hitler (in book)
2. Author: Edwin Landau
3. Date: 1940; reflecting on 1918-1940.
4. Purpose: to display the Jewish reaction to Nazi persecution
5. Historical context: took place during the time in which Hitler first became appointed as
chancellor and the Nazi Regime first went into full effect…and when the alienation of
Jews in society began. [Phase 1]
6. Writing style (what distinguishes this from the other texts):
Main Concepts:
● Jews gradual alienation in society. Ex: the Jewish businesses being ruined by officers and
people with jobs like teachers being kicked out of their jobs.
● Landau has a feeling of betrayal by his country and immediate hatred that leads to his
detachment of his Germany identity. Still a religious jew, but loss of cultural identity.
● Landau compares this to Satanism . Also to jesus crucifixion and how the Jews are “being
hung on the swastika cross”
● The jewish response overall: mental anguish/ pain
● Major loss of faith
● Compares himself to a “pendulum” because he has nothing to hold onto.
● Jews are stripped of their title as a religious community/nation in Germany
● Eventual lead into Zionism…which gives landau “spiritual elevation” and the ability to
let go of his anger and start his life anew.
1. Title: Marta Appel: Memoir Excerpt (in book)
2. Author: Marta Appel
3. Date: 1940/1941; reflecting on 1933-1937
4. Purpose: to reflect on the separation of Jews from society and the Jewish reaction to the
persecution by the Nazis.
5. Historical context: this was written during the time in which Jews were being separated
from society from others. [Phase 1]
6. Writing style (what distinguishes this from the other texts):
Main Concepts:
● illustrates the negative effect of nazi persecution on business/communities, and families.
● Fidelity and friendship were replaced by fear/treachery
● Life changed immensely on a social basis. Jews felt immediate loss of safety within
society. Instilled constant fear, insecurity, and uncertainty
● Mentions “new shame” because she is not able to carry on with her usual daily life
● Was personally disappointed but more concerned with how children would be affected.
● Bitter bc bitterness was brought to her children
● Jews were suffering a “deep degradation”
● Talks about hanukkah [identifying point]

● MAIN POINT is that Jews were being separated from society and it was happening at
the young ages. Like at the elementary schools
● Children taught about two races: higher [Germans who were to rule the word] and lower ,
[Jews]
● Similar to Landau, “it was no longer the same country for me”
● Husband was a rabbi
● Issue of leaving and starting a new life vs. staying and having courage and not backing
down.