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Jewish GIs of WWII

About the Show

Jewish GIs of WWII tells the profound and unique story of the 550,000 Jewish men and women who served in World War II. Held as POWs and awarded honours for merit and valour, thousands were wounded and 11,000 were killed in action. Ten thousand Jewish women joined up as well, disregarding their parents' warnings that the military 'was no life for a nice Jewish girl'. In the midst of it all, they fought a second, more private battle against anti-Semitism within the ranks. They endured slurs and even violence from their fellow servicemen, and often felt forced to prove their courage and patriotism. Jewish Americans earned their citizenship by shedding blood, leaving their outsider status behind.