The Rescue Board: The Untold Story of America's Efforts to Save the Jews of Europe

The Rescue Board: The Untold Story of America's Efforts to Save the Jews of Europe by Rebecca Erbelding, 368 pages.

An interesting look at a little-known group of Americans who attempted to overcome the strong antisemitism in the United States government and to do something, anything, to rescue as many of Europe's Jews as possible. While they were able to claim some successes, and the tireless work of John Pehle, Florence Hodel, and Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Morgenthau did help save a number of people, they were hampered by the antisemitic attitudes of members of the State department and members of the British government (both State and the British seemed to object to any plans). Often they were stymied by the "best way we can save everyone is by winning the war" attitude of the military. And so the War Refugee Board and its agents attempted to get non-combatant and allied governments to agree to take Jewish refugees in. They attempted to get visas and papers to Jews, to bribe Nazi officials, anything to let Jews leave occupied territories. Raoul Wallenberg worked for the WRB, as did a number of other interesting agents, some selfless, and some more on the self-serving side of the spectrum. A fascinating book.