The Italians and the Holocaust

Więcej o książce

A careful historical account linked to personal narratives. Eighty-five percent of Italy's Jews survived World War II, yet over six thousand were lost in the Holocaust, and many others faced terror. Susan Zuccotti shares hundreds of stories that highlight the resourcefulness of the Jews, the bravery of their rescuers, and the indifference of others. She argues that the Holocaust in Italy began with the first acts of violence against individuals, such as when a "black-shirted thug" forced castor oil down a victim's throat. Zuccotti prompts readers to reflect on the behavior of Italians during the rise of fascism, questioning whether they did enough to resist or if they should have recognized the danger sooner. She challenges us to consider our own potential responses to persecution and the importance of being vigilant against the erosion of liberties, especially when the initial victims are marginalized groups. The narrative serves as a reminder of the horrors that can arise from a racist fringe, even within seemingly stable societies. Susan Zuccotti teaches modern European history at Columbia University and has authored works on the Holocaust and its impact. The introduction by Furio Colombo, a professor of Italian Studies at Columbia, is included in this edition.