The Dilemma of German-Jewish Youths in the Third Reich: The Case of the Bund deutsch-jüdische Jugend 1933-1935

This essay covers the largest Jewish youth organization in Nazi Germany. During the early years of the Nazi regime many young Jews chose to join Zionist organizations which not only aimed to educate Jews about Jewish history and heritage but also had the goal of facilitating their move to Palestine. The BdjJ was different in its determination to remain in Germany despite the ever-increasing hostility. Through looking at its journal and talking to some of its leaders, I have tried to recount some of the dilemmas that a non-Zionist group faced under the tightening terror of the Nazis. The group was steadfast in its devotion to remain loyal to its country, but it was equally interested in infusing its members with knowledge and pride in Judaism so that they could better function in a society that was rapidly becoming both hostile and exclusive regarding young German Jews.