The Jewish Trail of Tears The Evian Conference of ... - Haruth.com

the less populated” regions of the world and its resources that the outcome and “fate” of
the Evian Conference lay “virtually in their hands.” 17
A commentary in a Jewish newspaper predicted that “history will be made” at the
commencement of the international council. Although the possibilities of rescue were
uncertain and it was doubtful that participating nations would significantly alter their
immigration restrictions, “the significance of the refugee conference is profound when
viewed in the light of the isolationist policies of the great, modern democracies.” The
occasion “mark[ed] the re-entry of Democracy—as a way of life—into the mainstream of
world political action”; a counterbalance to the “ideology of totalitarianism.” Asking the
ultimate question: “Where is the conscience of the world?” he believed the answer would
be given at Evian. 18 Some heralded the Conference as the “voice of Democracy”
overpowering the “angry roar of Fascism’s thunder” and represented the “first rebuke” of
Nazi ideology on the “part of Democracy”; an “uncompromising and…vigorous”
response. 19
FDR’s call for the conference represented, to one editorialist, the “strongest
kind of condemnation of Hiterlistic and other savage attacks upon human rights” and the
“moral isolation” of those committing such “barbaric practices.” It also demonstrated
that America was fulfilling its humanitarian responsibilities and could no longer be
accused of “failing to act.” Optimistically, and perhaps unrealistically, the writer
predicted that “such spontaneous expressions [of support] by organized groups of all
1938.
17 Charles Streit, “U.S. Spurs Nations to Prompt Action at Refugee Parley,” New York Times, July 7,
18 “Eyes on Evian, “The Southern Israelite, July 1, 1938, 6.
19 “America’s Open Door,” The Southern Israelite, April 1, 1938, 6.
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