The Milwaukee Division of the American Jewish Congress 1933-1945: The Limits of a Local Jewish Organization During a Period of International Crisis

Abstract

This paper examines the limits of a local Jewish organization between 1933-1944 which were turbulent years for the Jewish people in America and abroad. The American Jewish Congress and many other Jewish organizations in America participated in activities designed to combat anti-Semitic policies in America and abroad. The Milwaukee Division of the American Jewish Congress was given the duty to implement the policies adopted by the national office. The Milwaukee Division had limited success implementing these policies. Sometimes it appeared that the Milwaukee Division chose to simply neglect the requests made by the American Jewish Congress. However, after taking a closer look it appears that the Milwaukee Division was suffering from internal problems which affected its ability to implement the policies of the American Jewish Congress.