Jewish American Soldiers played an important role 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. Jewish 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 liberators that were simultaneously U.S. Army soldiers and members of the Jewish community, emphasizing their ability to communicate with survivors and provide immediate support and understanding amidst the chaos and devastation.
Michael Rugel is the Director of Programs and Content at the National Museum of American Jewish Military History. Prior to that he served on the museum’s collections management staff.
Rugel has frequently written about Jews in the American military. He regularly speaks about the history of Jews in the American Military at museum programs as well as to local schools, synagogues, community centers and veterans groups. He has given Jews in the military and Holocaust Remembrance talks to groups and organizations including at the Pentagon, Walter Reed Army Medical Research Center and Naval Medical Research Center. Rugel has produced a series of videos featuring American Jewish liberators of concentration camps describing their World War II experiences.
