I Was Called A White Jew — During World War II
Image by Getty Images
Sign up for Forwarding the News, our essential morning briefing with trusted, nonpartisan news and analysis, curated by Senior Writer Benyamin Cohen.
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
