FDR, America, and the Holocaust

In this four-part class we’ll explore Franklin D. Roosevelt’s response to the Holocaust, examining key decisions, missed opportunities, and the political forces that shaped U.S. actions. Through historical analysis and expert insights with AJU’s Michael Berenbaum, we’ll delve into the debate over bombing Auschwitz, FDR’s political priorities, Yehuda Bauer’s controversial question on rescuing European Jewry, and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s exhibition on America’s role. Join us for a deep dive into one of history’s most critical moral and political dilemmas.

Part One: The Bombing of Auschwitz – Could the Allies have bombed Auschwitz to halt the mass murder of Jews? This session delves into military strategy, moral responsibility, and the controversial decision not to target the Nazi death camp.

Part Two: The Political Priorities of FDR and the Holocaust – Investigate Roosevelt’s leadership during World War II, weighing domestic political pressures, antisemitism, and the administration’s response to Jewish persecution in Europe.

Part Three: Yehuda Bauer’s Controversial Question: Could the US Government Have Rescued European Jewry? – Renowned historian Yehuda Bauer challenges conventional narratives, asking whether more could have been done to save Jewish lives and what factors limited American action.

Part Four: America and the Holocaust: The US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Exhibition – Explore how the United States responded to the Holocaust through the lens of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s groundbreaking exhibition, shedding light on refugee policies, public opinion, and government inaction.