I Was Called A White Jew — During World War II
Image by Getty Images
To the Editor:
Tamar Manasseh writes in “Stop Calling Me a ‘Black Jew’ ” (Jan. 14) that she has never heard anybody referred to as a “White Jew.”
Well I have.
It was during World War II, when the armed forces were segregated and I was taking my basic infantry training in Florida, with a group of mainly good white boys from the Deep South.
One day, the discussion turned to religion and one barracks mate asked about my church affiliation. I responded that I was Jewish and was met with stunned disbelief. I was not surprised since common belief at the time had it that Jews dodged military service, lent money at exorbitant rates, and probably had horns growing out of their foreheads.
I exhibited none of these characteristics, so I could understand the guy’s skepticism. After I finally convinced him, he searched for a long time for a suitable comment, looked me straight in the eye and finally uttered his ultimate compliment.
“Tom,” he said, “you are a WHITE Jew.”
Tom Tugend, Los Angeles, CA
This is a moment of great uncertainty. Here’s what you can do about it.
We hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, we’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s independent Jewish news this Passover. All donations are being matched by the Forward Board - up to $100,000.
This is a moment of great uncertainty for the news media, for the Jewish people, and for our sacred democracy. It is a time of confusion and declining trust in public institutions. An era in which we need humans to report facts, conduct investigations that hold power to account, tell stories that matter and share honest discourse on all that divides us.
With no paywall or subscriptions, the Forward is entirely supported by readers like you. Every dollar you give this Passover is invested in the future of the Forward — and telling the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
The Forward doesn’t rely on funding from institutions like governments or your local Jewish federation. There are thousands of readers like you who give us $18 or $36 or $100 each month or year.
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
