If you’re wondering Why didn’t they just leave?, that is a great question. Remember, German Jews thought of themselves as fully assimilated into the most advanced and enlightened society in the world. For many, it was as though they were Germans first and Jews second. They assumed this madness would soon pass, plus they had friends, neighbors, and communities—allies whom they thought would protect them. Eventually, as things progressively worsened, some Jews did make the decision to go, though with great sacrifice. My great-grandfather Paul Schorr was one of them. He sensed the impending
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