Further Thoughts on The Nazi Officer’s Wife

Day-to-Day Struggles of Jews in Nazi Germany and Austria

I have previously touched on this topic in two separate posts, highlighting the plight of Jews in Germany and Austria under the Nazi regime. Today, I delve deeper into the day-to-day struggles faced by the Jewish population before their tragic fate.

The author recounts a poignant story that sheds light on the harrowing experiences of Jews during that dark period:

“I refused to let the political situation keep me from my studies. I had taken both state exams and passed with high grades. One last exam, and I would be a doctor of law, qualified to serve not just as a lawyer but also as a judge. I felt that if I earned my degree, if I was trained, qualified, certified, I would have a much easier time emigrating.

In April 1938 [DRH note: the Anschluss had happened the previous month] I went to the university to pick up my final exam papers and to receive the date for my doctoral exam. A young clerk there, actually someone I knew, said: “You will not be taking the examination, Edith. You are no longer welcome in our university.” She gave me my papers and the transcript of my grades. “Good-bye.”

For almost five years, I had studied law, constitutions, torts, psychology, economics, political theory, history, philosophy. I had written papers, attended lectures, analyzed legal cases, studied with a judge three times a week to prepare for my doctoral exam. And now they would not let me take it.

My legs buckled. I leaned on her desk for support.

“But…but…this last exam is all I need for my degree!”

She turned her back on me. I could feel her sense of triumph, her genuine satisfaction in destroying my life. It had a smell, I tell you–like sweat, like lust.”

This heartbreaking account showcases the immense challenges faced by Jews in pursuing education and fulfilling their aspirations under the oppressive Nazi regime.