Virtual Battle Brief - Restoring Humanity: Jewish Soldiers and the Liberation of Nazi Camps

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U.S. Army Center of Military History

Cpl. Larry Matinsk, Co. A, 1st BN, 157th Inf., 45th Inf. DV., distributes his last package of cigarettes to former prisoners at Dachau, Germany, 30 APR 45.

Explores the role that Jewish American Soldiers played in liberating Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Beginning in the spring of 1945, the U.S. Army began uncovering these camps, revealing the horrific realities of the Holocaust. These Soldiers, many of whom were fluent in Yiddish, were not only witnesses to the atrocities but also the first to offer solace and a sense of community to the survivors. The presentation will highlight their unique position as both liberators and members of the Jewish community, emphasizing their ability to communicate with survivors and provide immediate support and understanding amidst the chaos and devastation.

Through personal accounts, historical context, and visual documentation, “Restoring Humanity” sheds light on the harrowing experiences of the Holocaust, the liberation process, and the critical role of Jewish American Soldiers in restoring humanity to those who had suffered unimaginable horrors. It underscores the importance of remembrance and the enduring impact of these liberators in shaping the post-war understanding of the Holocaust.

Michael Rugel is the Director of Programs and Content at the National Museum of American Jewish Military History. In this role, he develops and oversees educational and public programs aimed at preserving and sharing the history of Jews in the American military. He received a Bachelor’s degree in history from the College of William and Mary and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies from George Washington University.