From the archives: Purim services held at Goebbels' captured castle by American Jewish troops
Gladbach, Germany, 3/8/1945. (JTA) — Belated Purim services were held here yesterday in a castle belonging to Dr. Joseph Goebels by front-line troops who were too busy fighting last week to pause for the traditional observances.
Capt, Manual Poliakeff of Baltimore, a Jewish chaplain, carefully arranged the candles over a swastika-bedecked bookcase in Goebbels’ main dining room. Pfc, Arnold Reich of Meadville, Pa. and Corp. Martin Willen of Baltimore assisted the chaplain.
The services were attended by a large crowd which filled the vast room. Jewish and non-Jewish soldiers were in the audience, and the Jews explained to their Christian comrades about Haman and why it was so fitting that Purim services should be held in a castle belonging to Goebbels.
https://www.jta.org/archive/belated-purim-services-held-in-goebbels-castle-by-american-jewish-troops?_ga=2.260336782.228988775.1647280456-154113719.1644432697
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Thank you — I never knew this bit of WWII history.
